Fire Causes Roof to Collapse at Central Florida Motel

Officials say eight people, including two firefighters, have been hospitalized after a fire caused the roof to collapse at a central Florida motel.

Osceola County Fire Rescue officials said the motel’s guests were evacuated Sunday night when the fire began at the 430-room motel. Lt. Danny McAvoy says some guests were hesitant to open their doors to authorities.

Fire rescue spokeswoman Nikki Whisler told the Orlando Sentinel on Monday morning that eight people had been hospitalized, but she did not know the extent of their injuries.

More than 100 firefighters have been working to control the blaze at the Vacation Lodge Maingate in Kissimmee. Television reports showed the building engulfed in flames.

Early Monday, authorities closed a highway near the motel, about a mile from Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park.