A raging fire partly destroyed a historic sports center building here Wednesday morning, and sent at least three persons to hospital with smoke inhalation injuries.

Photo taken on Sept. 28, 2011 shows the exterior of the fire-stricken main structure of KB Hallen in Copenhagen, capital of Denmark. At least three people were injured in a fire that struck the main structure of KB Hallen, a sports venue in Copenhagen, on Wednesday morning. (Xinhua/Devapriyo Das)
The fire broke out at the KB Hallen, a major sports and exhibition center, in the local council of Frederiksberg, in Copenhagen, capital of Denmark.

The central part of the building's roof has collapsed, Copenhagen's fire brigade said, but part of the adjacent building is secured.

"KB Hallen itself cannot be saved, so the fire brigade is instead now ensuring that the adjacent building is protected," said Lars Borg, press spokesperson for Copenhagen Police.

Xinhua reporters saw flames raging on the ground floor of the building, and thick clouds billowing-off its roof.

Loud bangs could also be heard, which Danish public broadcaster DR News suggested were caused by exploding gas cylinders. The area was rapidly cordoned-off by local police as fire-fighters raced to douse the flames.

Smoke from the fire spread across Frederiksberg and the borough of Noerrebro in central Copenhagen. Police have warned area residents to stay indoors and shut all doors and windows.

Moreover, three persons have been hospitalised for observation of suspected smoke poisoning, DR News said.

It added that a halogen spotlight is suspected to have set fire to some packing cases in the building, thus triggering the blaze.

Built in 1938, KB Hallen was recently listed as a heritage building. It was supposed to host an erotica fair starting Wednesday.

VietNamNet/Xinhuanet