Two die in Cameron House hotel fire
Two people have died and a further three have been taken to hospital following a fire at Cameron House hotel in Scotland.
Police Scotland confirmed the two deaths in a statement issued this afternoon.
Fire broke out at the five-AA-star, 132-bedroom hotel overlooking Loch Lomond in West Dunbartonshire at around 6.50am.
Around 200 staff and guests were evacuated as firefighters raised ladders to the upper floors of the building. The building is said to have been "extensively damaged".
Police Scotland confirmed that one person was pronounced dead at the scene, while another four were taken to hospital.
Two adults and one child were taken to the Queen Elizabeth University hospital in Glasgow. A fourth patient was taken to the Royal Alexandra hospital in Paisley, but later died.
A statement from Police Scotland said: "Officers remain at the scene and are working with other emergency services to establish the exact circumstances of the incident. One person was pronounced dead at the scene. Four people were taken to hospital, one to the RAH who later died. A further three people were taken to the Queen Elizabeth University hospital for treatment. A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal."
Andy Roger, resort director at Cameron House hotel, said: "At approximately 6:40am there was a large fire at Cameron House hotel. Emergency services were alerted and guests were evacuated to the nearby Boat House restaurant while Scottish Fire & Rescue, Scottish Ambulance Service and Police Scotland arrived on scene.
"Tragically, the authorities have confirmed two fatalities from the fire. In addition, three individuals were transported to the local hospital, but have since been discharged. The safety and well-being of our guests, employees and neighbours is our first priority, and our deepest condolences are with the families of those affected.
"We are working closely with the authorities to determine the cause of the fire, and to provide support to our guests and the families of those affected."
Cameron House, which overlooks Loch Lomond, is now owned by American private equity firm KSL Capital Partners, having been acquired from the QHotels portfolio owned by Sankaty Advisors and Canyon Partners in November 2015. It has two golf courses, a spa and 184 timeshare lodges, as well as four restaurants, including the Michelin-starred Martin Wishart on Loch Lomond.
The hotel completed a £4m, year-long refurbishment in the summer, which Roger said at the time provided "a truly luxurious experience that offers guests only the best standards and showcases our hotel and its stunning location."
No-one from the hotel was available to comment.
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