Evacuation as massive blaze strikes Ministry of Defense HQ in Moscow

At least 47 people have been evacuated after a fire broke out in the Russian Defense Ministry building in central Moscow.

READ MORE: 3,000 people evacuated as fire delays 70 flights at Moscow Domodedovo Airport

“Forty people have left the building and seven more have been rescued by firefighters,” a police source told RIA Novosti.

The blaze broke out on the second floor of the building, according to the source. It spread to 50 sq. meters, the source added.

Later, the fire consumed three out of the five floors and even the roof of the historic building.

READ MORE: Huge blaze at construction market in Moscow suburb (PHOTOS)

The emergencies services said the roof partially collapsed as a result of the blaze.

News agencies report at least one firefighter has been injured.

The Defense Ministry has confirmed the incident.

“There is no open fire. Sources of smoke are now being extinguished,” Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Major General Igor Konashenkov told Interfax after several hours of firefighting efforts.