Neighbours 'dragged a couple of people out' as fire razes unit block
Firefighters say a Coolangatta unit block will likely be knocked down after it and a neighbouring complex were damaged by fire overnight, forcing residents and neighbours to flee.
Emergency services were called to the Coyne Street building, off Kirra Beach, about 2.10am on Friday after reports of the large fire at the rear of the site.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services member Paul Smith told reporters nearby homeowners "actually dragged a couple of people out".
"But there's significant damage, it will probably be knocked down."
One witness described waking up "really scared" to hear people screaming and cracking noises.
"My partner saw the fire and just told me to rush and get [the] baby - so we just left the house, grabbed whatever we could get at the time," she said at the scene on Friday morning.
In a statement, police said the units and a neighbouring complex in Haig Street were evacuated, with "substantial damage" caused by the fire.
A Queensland Ambulance Service spokesperson said paramedics treated seven people for smoke inhalation, including two women.
Investigations into the cause of the blaze are ongoing.
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Matt Dennien is a reporter with Brisbane Times.