Kolohe Andino escaped unscathed from an apartment fire on Australia’s Gold Coast. Photo: Kolohe Andino//Instagram
Kolohe Andino says he and is family are okay following a blaze at a Gold Coast, Australia high-rise that he appears to have been staying at.
“Shit got real,” the 31-year-old Championship Tour veteran wrote on Instagram. “We are grateful and blessed to be back on our feet again. Thanks for everyone who has reached out.”
Andino posted photos of the apartment’s burnt-out interior after the blaze, but didn’t specify if this was the apartment he was staying in, or if he was just in the building.
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9 News Gold Coast reported that a fire started in the Carool Holidays Apartments – a block from Snapper Rocks – in Coolangatta around 12:30 a.m. When fire crews responded, they found a sixth-floor apartment completely engulfed by flames.
The entire building was evacuated.
“All we heard was people yelling, ‘Fire! Fire!’” one woman told 9 News. “It was really scary. We ran out and the whole place was smoke everywhere.”
The fire was contained by 1 a.m. before spreading to other apartments. The cause of the fire remains unknown. No one was seriously injured, but a few people were taken to a hospital due to potential smoke inhalation.
Pro surfers expressed their relief in the comment section of the post.
“So glad you’re all safe,” said Mick Fanning.
“Glad everyone is safe,” echoed Kai Lenny.
Andino is in Australia to compete in the World Club Surfing Championship, representing his hometown of San Clemente, California.
