FIBA Women's World Cup players' hotel evacuated after fire breaks out ahead of high-stakes final stage

FIBA said the alarm went off at 9:06 a.m.local time.

The teams followed standard safety procedures and assembled outside before returning to their rooms at 9:27 a.m."Following a thorough inspection, it was confirmed that the alarm was activated due to the start of a fire in the garbage room located in the underground basement of a neighbouring parking facility," FIBA said in a statement.A basketball goal stands in front of a logo for the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 outside the Max Schmelling Hall, one of two venues hosting the competition in Berlin on Sept.3, 2026.

The competition takes place from Sept.4 to 13, 2026.

(AFP via Getty Images)"The Police are currently investigating the exact circumstances surrounding the incident."The U.S.team was not affected because the Americans are staying at a different hotel from the rest of the tournament field.Napheesa Collier, Kahleah Copper, Breanna Stewart and Chelsea Gray of the USA Women's National Team look on during a game against China at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 on Sept.

4, 2026, at Max-Schmeling-Halle in Berlin, Germany.(NBAE)WNBA STAR WILL MISS PLAYING IN FIBA WORLD CUP AFTER HER PASSPORT GOES MISSING IN THE MAILThe incident came two days after an alarm forced players and coaches out of the same hotel at approximately 2 a.m.

Sunday.That evacuation lasted about an hour and disrupted the sleep of teams scheduled to play later that day.FIBA said Tuesday that the first alarm "was due to steam in the kitchen during its cleaning." Australia coach Sandy Brondello had previously said she was told someone activated an emergency alarm in an elevator, according to The Associated Press.THE PREDOMINANT BASKETBALL DYNASTY ON EARTH IS AT STAKE AS AMERICA'S EYES TURN TO CAITLIN CLARK'S ROLEThe Uber Arena in Berlin on Nov.

9, 2024.(dpa/picture alliance via Getty Images)Tuesday’s evacuation occurred on the opening day of the knockout stage.

Hungary and Japan were scheduled to play the first qualifi...