Borgata casino fire superficial 'but could be costly'

2007-09-25 15:33:51

A fire that struck the Borgata Hotel Casino at the weekend resulted in only superficial damage, officials have said.

The blaze, which claimed no victims, engulfed a $400 million 43-story tower under construction at the resort.

When completed, the Atlantic City tower will contain 800 guest rooms for casino-goers, shops, meeting space, five swimming pools and a spa.

"While we have been planning for an early 2008 opening, it is too soon to know what impact this [fire] will have on the development timeline, if any," Borgata said in a statement.

The blaze, which happened on Sunday, was under control within 20 minutes and the building suffered smoke and water damage.

Analysts say that Borgata may have to spend millions of dollars money ridding the tower of the smell of smoke and reversing the effects of the fire.