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17/09/2003
Hundreds of historic motorcycles destroyed in museum blaze
A significant chunk of the UK's motorcycling heritage went up in smoke last night following a serious fire at the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham.
The museum believes that more than 400 machines – some irreplaceable examples of the earliest marques – were destroyed in the fire. It is estimated that around £8 million worth of damage was caused in the blaze.
More than 150 firemen attended the blaze which began yesterday afternoon. Museum staff and passers-by managed to save around 300 exhibits from the flames but the building itself suffered considerable damage – with three of five exhibit halls destroyed. There were no injuries reported during the incident.
In a statement, the museum said: "A full assessment of the damage is being undertaken with a view to getting operations underway again as soon as possible. In the meantime the Museum will be closed to visitors and conference events until further notice.
"Many irreplaceable machines will have been damaged in the fire, but they will be restored once again, to their original showroom condition."
(gmcg)
The museum believes that more than 400 machines – some irreplaceable examples of the earliest marques – were destroyed in the fire. It is estimated that around £8 million worth of damage was caused in the blaze.
More than 150 firemen attended the blaze which began yesterday afternoon. Museum staff and passers-by managed to save around 300 exhibits from the flames but the building itself suffered considerable damage – with three of five exhibit halls destroyed. There were no injuries reported during the incident.
In a statement, the museum said: "A full assessment of the damage is being undertaken with a view to getting operations underway again as soon as possible. In the meantime the Museum will be closed to visitors and conference events until further notice.
"Many irreplaceable machines will have been damaged in the fire, but they will be restored once again, to their original showroom condition."
(gmcg)
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Showers will gradually die out during the evening. A cold night with long clear spells leading to a touch of frost in places. Light winds. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
