A spectacular fire gutted the Hotel Aquila, familiar Lansford landmark at the east end of Lansford, actually in Summit Hill borough, last night. Thousands of curious jammed the east end and watched with dismay as lack of water pressure hampered the efforts of firefighters.

Dominic Totani, owner and operator of the hotel, this morning estimated his loss at $100,000. There is some insurance coverage.

Totani, his wife, two daughters, his son, along with his wife and child, and five boarders, spent last night at the Edgemont Lodge.

Faulty wiring was indicated as a possible cause of the blaze, although the investigation is continuing.