More than 50 people have been injured after a huge fire ripped through a Norwegian village made famous by its historic wooden houses.

At least 23 buildings caught alight in the village of Laerdalsoyri, southern Norway, while hundreds of residents were evacuated as high winds fanned the blaze.

The popular tourist destination in the West Norwegian Fjords area is famous for more than 160 well-preserved wooden houses from the 18th and 19th centuries.

Officials said that it was not immediately clear what had caused the fire, which started on Saturday night and continued to burn today.
Approximately 52 people have been hospitalised with minor injuries. It is not believed anyone was killed in the blaze.

Of the 23 buildings to catch fire, 16 homes were burnt down to the ground as well as industrial buildings, community centers and holiday homes.

The 280-acre tiny village has a population of around 1,150 people.

 Անկախ