The UN climate talks COP30 have been evacuated due to a fire breaking out inside the venue in Belém, Brazil.
BBC journalists saw flames and smoke in the pavilion area before they were rushed outside where fire engines raced past. The UN said the fire was extinguished after six minutes and 13 people were treated for smoke inhalation. It is not yet known what caused the blaze.
The talks were in the final hours of trying to agree on next steps to tackle climate change but the fire has disrupted negotiations and the talks remain closed.
Dr Harshita Umesh, a speaker at the conference, described the incident: It was climbing the walls and onto the ceiling. People were screaming. Then I ran, I think I tripped and fell. She reported that ambulance staff had to use oxygen masks for first responders who inhaled toxic fumes.
Emergency medicine specialist Kimberly Humphrey stated that injuries consisted mainly of smoke inhalation, and attendees were left in shock from the chaos of the situation.
Justin Rowlatt, BBC's Climate Editor, reported the atmosphere of panic as delegates rushed to evacuate the venue, which was engulfed in smoke. The fire was believed to have caused a significant hole in the conference center, alarming many attendees.
Authorities are now assessing the venue's safety, while the Brazilian security forces have taken over management of the summit. COP30 is critical as nearly 200 countries are participating in attempts to establish effective strategies against climate change.
