Several people have been taken to hospital after they were rescued from a burning building in Limerick City.

The fire broke out at an apartment building on Broad Street shortly after 1 o'clock this afternoon.

A number of men and women were taken from the scene in ambulances.

Their conditions are unknown.

One woman who was unconscious from the effects of smoke inhalation was rescued by a fire officer from an upstairs bedroom.

Three units of Limerick City Fire and Rescue Service and a fire tender from Shannon Co Clare are at the scene.

Gardai have closed the street while an investigation into the cause of the blaze is investigated.