Two men seriously injured following fire at apartment block in Co Laois
Sarah Slater
Two men, aged in their 50s and 20s have been seriously injured following a fire in an apartment block in Co Laois.
The fire at Kilnacourt Woods, in Portarlington, started around 6am.
One person was rescued from the second floor by firefighters, while it is understood that another jumped from the burning building.
Emergency services and fire crews from Portarlington, Mountmellick, Portlaoise and Monasterevin attended the scene at the three-storey building.
Gardaí have confirmed that the men, one aged in his 50s and another in his 20s were rushed to Midlands Regional Hospital Tullamore.
In a statement gardai added: “Two men, one aged in his 50s and another aged in his 20s, were conveyed to Midlands Regional Hospital Tullamore for treatment of serious injuries following this incident.
“Gardaí assisted local fire services at the scene of a fire that occurred at a premises at Kilnacourt Woods in Portarlington, Co. Laois this morning, Thursday, 20th of February 2025.”
The scene is currently preserved with garda technical examinations taking place. Enquiries are ongoing.
The fire has now been brought under control but emergency services remain at the scene.
It is understood that up to nine apartments have been completely destroyed by the blaze with significant damage done to others in The Oaks apartment block. Neighbouring homes and businesses were left without electricity for a time.
A statement from Laois Fire and Emergency Services outlined that fire tenders, water tankers and a hydraulic platform all remain on site.
Laois Independent Councillor Aidan Mullins said Portarlington GAA has opened their facilities and everyone from the apartment complex is being assessed. Cllr Mullins said that they are being provided with “food and shelter”.
Council officials and Department of Social Protection officials are also on site to help those affected and emergency accommodation is being sorted out for families who need it.
It is understood that there is a mix of families who are both owners and renters in the complex.
