Huge fire in Croatia's capital destroys landmark tower

A huge fire has broken out in a landmark skyscraper in the downtown area of the Croatian capital Zagreb, almost completely gutting the building but leaving no casualties.

The building was known as the Vjesnik tower after a popular newspaper that was published there until 12 years ago.

The fire started near the top of the 16-floor building and quickly spread downward, preventing 100 firefighters from entering, Croatian media said.

The building was almost completely empty when the fire broke out near midnight on Monday.

The fire seemed to be extinguished by midday on Tuesday, although the metal and concrete construction was still smouldering.

"From what I saw on site and inside the building, the damage is unfortunately total but I believe that the state and other owners will start the renovation of the building in this prominent location of our city as soon as possible," Zagreb mayor Tomislav Tomasevic said.

Pieces of the building reportedly fell off due to the fire, Index portal said, adding that the fire seemed have spread through ventilation shafts.