Moskva Hotel is on fire

According to preliminary information, the fire in Moskva Hotel near the Kremlin was caused by the neglect of safety measures during welding works, a spokesperson for the fire-extinguishing staff told RIA Novosti.

The fire alarm came at 11.10 Moscow time.

"According to preliminary data, there are no people in the building. The builders who might have caused the fire have already left the hotel," the spokesperson said.

The hotel has been closed for reconstruction for several weeks already.

The fire seat is situated on the upper floors of the building, a fire service official said.

Fifteen fire teams came to extinguish fire at Moskva Hotel.