Overview
- Firefighters tackled a hotel blaze in Asendorf late Wednesday after flames in the basement pushed thick smoke through upper floors.
- About 60 guests were led outside by crews and staff, with some guided down ladders placed against the building.
- Police later said 13 people were treated as lightly injured for suspected smoke inhalation and taken to hospitals after initial reports cited three serious cases.
- Seven fire departments with more than 80 responders, backed by Hamburg emergency crews, brought the fire under control and continued work into the morning.
- Local officials arranged temporary lodging for some evacuees while others left on their own, and police are investigating the cause and the extent of damage.