A frantic rescue operation has been launched after an 18-storey block of flats was engulfed in flames in Milan.
It is not known how many people were inside when the blaze broke out, but officials have said dozens have been rescued.
Milan's Central Emergency Department said firefighters were called to the scene in the south of the city at around 5.30pm.
Video shows smoke billowing from the building, which is home to hundreds of people.
The city's mayor said firefighters have been searching the building for survivors.
The cause of the fire, which is believed to have broken out in the upper floors, is still unknown.
According to reports in Italy, it started on the 15th floor and spread quickly through the building.
An estimated 50 firefighters battled flames, while paramedics were on the scene.
Seventy families were taken to safety in the minutes after it broke out.
Beppe Sala, Mayor of Milan, told Milano Today: "For now we have no reports of victims or injured.
"About twenty people have left without problems now the firefighters enter house by house breaking down the doors to see if anyone has remained inside.
“We are positive about the fact that there was time for everyone to go out but until the control is not done we cannot be sure.”
Authorities say the blaze is now under control.
The bottom two floors of the building are believed to be used for car parking.
