Saturday, November 23, 2024

Business complex destroyed as major fire causes chaos in Armagh

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Watch: Firefighters at the scene of a blaze in Armagh

Jessica Rice and Kevin Scott

These were the scenes as firefighters battled a major blaze in Armagh.

The fire, on the Killylea Road, started in a building complex on Sunday morning.

The complex consists of an off licence, tanning salon, Chinese restaurant, chippy and a number of flats.

Eyewitnesses described plumes of smoke rising from the property.

Photographs showed severe scorch damage, while the roof had partially caved in, with the building destroyed.

The cause of the fire is unknown.

Police urged motorists to avoid the area.

No one was injured but a number of people were in the building once the fire began and were evacuated.

One onlooker said: “I was asleep and my dad woke me up. I got my brother and we all came down outside.”

Workers from the Housing Executive were at the scene, sorting emergency accommodation for affected families, while police directed traffic away from the blaze.

People watched from the street as firefighters continued to battle to save what is left of four of Armagh city’s most popular businesses.

A police spokesperson said: “Due to a fire at the Killylea Road area of Armagh this afternoon, Sunday July 21, motorists are advised to avoid the area.

“Colleagues from Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service are in attendance and motorists should seek alternative routes.”

More to follow.

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