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A massive fire broke out at Germany's biggest theme park, sparking fears of casualties.

Dramatic footage shows flames and thick plumes of smoke rising into the air from the Europa amusement park in Rust this evening.

Clouds of smoke were seen from miles around as panic spread among visitors.

Witnesses said the flames reached 15m high and some rides were also on fire, according to Bild.de.

It is currently unclear how the blaze started but it is believed it began in a warehouse in the park before spreading to rides.

Flames 'destroyed' the 'The Pirates of Batavia' attraction and the 'Scandinavia' area at the theme park was evacuated.

The ride is described as a 'water-dark ride' and is said to be about 400m long.

Rehearsals for a popular show "Immer Wieder Sundays" were taking place in the grounds at the time with Swiss pop star Beatrice Egli present, according to reports.

The attraction is the largest theme park in the country and the second most popular in Europe, following Disneyland Paris in France.

(Image: REUTERS)

Initial reports suggest no-one has been hurt but emergency services were said to calling in more help.

Michael Wege from the fire department in Ortenau's control centre earlier told Bild.de : "The fire is still spreading strongly.

"We are not in control of the situation yet.

"We are in the process of drafting more forces."

A police spokesman reportedly said several rides as well as a warehouse were burning.

More recent reports suggest the fire is under control but not yet extinguished.

(Image: REUTERS)

(Image: REUTERS)

Parts of the amusement park were evacuated after the fire broke out, reports said.

Europa-Park's official Twitter account tweeted: "Dear visitors, at present there is a fire at the attraction 'The Pirates of Batavia'.

"Please avoid the Scandinavian subject area. We will get back to you shortly. Thank you."

(Image: REUTERS) (Image: REUTERS) (Image: REUTERS) (Image: DPA)

They added: "Our forces are on the spot and are trying to extinguish the fire.

"Please behave quietly and follow the on-site instructions."

Another tweet said: "In the meantime, the subject area Scandinavia has been largely evacuated."

The emergency forces are on site and more than 10 firefighters are thought to be on the scene.

Europa-Park later tweeted: "Dear Friends of Europa-Park, the evening events in the Confertainment at center and Chateau will take place as planned.

"According to the current state of knowledge, there are no injuries."

The park will re-open tomorrow except for the areas damaged by the fire.