A historic pub in Queensland was destroyed by fire just days before an annual pop music event.
At around 2:45am on Saturday, emergency services were called to a fire at the Baralaba Hotel in Baralaba, about 140 kilometres south of Rockhampton.
By 5:40 a.m. the fire brigade had managed to extinguish the fire.
Queensland Ambulance Service paramedics examined 13 people who were inside the historic outback pub when it went up in flames.
All hotel guests were quickly evacuated from the building and cared for; no one had to go to the hospital.
It is believed that part of the hotel roof collapsed during the fire.
The hotel and the Baralaba community were just days away from celebrating the annual Baralaba Bash hosted by the pub.
Queensland Police are investigating the fire but are not believed to be treating the incident as suspicious.
The organizers confirmed that the music event will take place despite the lack of a venue, merchandise and cash register equipment.
“The hotel no longer exists,” the organizers wrote on social media.
“We are extremely grateful and relieved that all hotel guests are doing well.
“Baralaba is a resilient community and together we will work to make the changes needed to make the weekend truly special.
“We have to make some changes to the plan and there is a possibility that the street party will take place at the main stage location.
“We will provide logistical updates in the next few days when we have had a chance to regroup.”
The Baralaba Hotel has existed under various names since 1929 and was recently offered for sale for the first time since 1981.
The facility was leased until January 2028.
