The Windsor Tower, one of the best-known symbols of the Spanish capital, has been ravaged by a huge fire and has partially collapsed. There are conflicting reports as to whether the blaze is now under control. Large pieces of the 32-storey skyscraper plummeted to the ground as the top floors were destroyed. The fire reportedly started on the 21st floor, possibly as a result of a short circuit.

The building is thought to have been empty at the time. More than a dozen fire engines rushed to the scene. They were initially unable to smother the flames and withdrew, concentrating instead on cooling nearby buildings to stop the blaze spreading. The area has been sealed off because of falling debris and fears the structure could collapse.

Madrid is usually buzzing with life on a Saturday night. No passers-by were injured but three firefighters were treated for smoke inhalation, as were residents of nearby flats who were evacuated. The Windsor Tower, completed in 1979, was one of the first buildings to be erected in the downtown business district of Azca. It is surrounded by banks, insurance companies and department stores.

It housed several international companies. Most of its office space was taken up by the US accounting giant Deloitte and Touche.

PHOTO CAPTION

The sun rises through black smoke coming from the fire in the Windsor Building in Madrid, Spain, Sunday, Feb. 13, 2005. (AP)