Echo Arena thanks emergency services after car park fire

Liverpool’s Echo Arena has offered its thanks to the city’s emergency services, volunteers and the British Red Cross for their assistance after a fire at its car park destroyed an estimated 1,400 vehicles.

The fire tore through the multi-storey King’s Dock car park on new year’s eve, when the 11,000-capacity arena was hosting the fourth day of the Liverpool International Horse Show. An accidental fire in one car which spread to other vehicles is believed to have been the cause, according to police.

The show was cancelled and all horses evacuated, with a relief centre set up nearby by Liverpool city council for those unable to get home. Despite the damage, an arena spokesperson confirmed all people and horses are safe and that “there were no injuries during this terrible incident”.

“We ask for everyone’s patience and understanding while investigations continue”

Owners of the destroyed vehicles should contact their insurance companies, Merseyside police said.

“We are sorry to customers who were due to attend the evening performance of the Liverpool International Horse Show, which was cancelled as a result of the fire, as well as those people whose vehicles were in the car park and who have been affected by this situation,” the venue says in a statement. “We ask for everyone’s patience and understanding while investigations continue.

“We are extremely thankful to the emergency services for their efforts. We would also like to thank the people who kindly provided transport for customers to enable them to travel home, as well as Liverpool city council for establishing a relief centre for those needing shelter.

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