Road reopens following huge fire at derelict apartment block

Victoria Road in Douglas has reopened after firefighters spent several hours tackling a fire at the derelict Sea Court apartment block.

The Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service confirmed shortly after midnight that crews had completed their emergency response but the road remained close.

The fire broke out on Sunday evening, October 11, prompting a large emergency services response and the closure of Victoria Road between Glencrutchery Road and the Tesco roundabout.

Glencrutchery Road was also closed as emergency crews dealt with the incident.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing significant amounts of smoke and flames in the area, with smoke visible from some distance away.

In an update, the fire service said crews had worked for several hours through the night to bring the blaze under control and prevent it from spreading to surrounding areas.

It thanked partner agencies for their assistance and the public for their patience and co-operation while emergency services dealt with the incident.

The fire occurred at Sea Court on Victoria Road, where a planning application has previously been approved to replace an existing derelict three-apartment building with a block of six apartments.

The approved plans also include associated parking and facilities, as well as improvements to the public highway.

It was approved in August 2026, after being initially refused back in 2023.

Further details about the cause of the fire, the extent of the damage and whether anyone was injured have not yet been confirmed, but Isle of Man Today has approached the Constabulary.

Several people online had speculated that the fire was at nearby Leyton, a historic Arts and Crafts house on Victoria Road which has been the subject of recent planning discussions.

However, the fire was at Sea Court, a separate property on the same road.

More information will be published at iomtoday.co.im as it becomes available.