1.4K Cars Destroyed in New Year's Eve Blaze

A massive fire New Year's Eve in a multi-story parking garage in Liverpool, England, destroyed around 1,400 cars, with one exploding every few seconds at the height of the blaze, authorities say—but no humans or animals were seriously injured. Horses had been stabled in the garage before performances at the Liverpool International Horse Show, but they were moved to safety inside the nearby Echo Arena, the AP reports. Firefighters say six dogs that had been left in cars were rescued, including four from a vehicle on the roof of the seven-story structure and two that were saved from the second floor before the fire took hold, reports the Guardian.

Police say an "accidental fire within a vehicle caused other cars to ignite." The fire was brought under control Monday morning. The horse show was canceled and shelters were opened for people—and horses—needing emergency accommodation. Visitor Kerry Matthews tells the BBC that he left his car in the parking garage while visiting the city for New Year's Eve. "A fireman said the whole car park is on fire. He said, 'What level is your car on?' We said six," Matthews says. "He said, 'Well, you best go and have a couple of drinks to celebrate [the] new year because you're not going to get your car back.'" (More Liverpool stories.)