UK Indoor Championships Delayed 90 Minutes by Fire

The UK Athletics Indoor Championships faced a significant delay after a fire incident at Birmingham's Utilita Arena necessitated an evacuation. The blaze, originating from a cooker in a nearby flat, prompted emergency services to act swiftly, delaying the event by approximately 90 minutes. Spectators and athletes, eager for the competition, had to wait as the schedule was adjusted, with the first events eventually starting at 12:55 GMT. Olympic bronze medalist Katharine Merry documented the situation on social media, noting smoke from the top floor during the evacuation. Despite the disruption, the championships resumed with top athletes like Katarina Johnson-Thompson and Georgia Hunter Bell competing for titles. The event is being broadcast live, with UK Athletics providing updates to ensure safety and smooth proceedings.