BERLIN, May 20 (UPI) -- The roof of the Berlin Philharmonic was badly damaged, but no injuries were reported when a fire broke out in the famed concert hall Tuesday afternoon.
Deutsche Welle said it was not immediately clear what caused the blaze, which occurred during a lunchtime concert. The audience was evacuated without incident.
More than 100 firefighters spent most of the afternoon battling the flames.
Members of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra reportedly pleaded with firefighters to rescue priceless instruments abandoned inside.
Police told Deutsche Welle the fire appeared to have begun in a luxury box near the attic.
A Philhamonic representative said welding work may have started the fire.