Busy Woolworths store 'completely destroyed' as aisles erupt in flames
Shoppers and staff were forced to flee after intense fire ravaged the isles.
A Woolworths store has been "completely destroyed by fire" after two 14-year-old boys allegedly set it alight on Sunday afternoon.
Shoppers and staff were forced to flee the store inside Stirling shopping centre in Adelaide's southeast as flames consumed the supermarket shortly after 2pm, inflicting significant damage to the supermarket as well as a number of other businesses.
The metropolitan and country fire services were notified and both worked together to battle the blaze, gaining control after several hours. Reports from locals online said there was over 100 fire fighters that attended the scene.
Despite the supermarket being open at the time of the fire, South Australia Police confirmed safe evacuation of everyone inside and there have been no injuries reported.
Woolworths have confirmed with Yahoo News Australia the store is closed and workers are "being redeployed to work in other stores."
"All team members and customers were evacuated from the store safely. We would like to express our thanks to the emergency services," a Woolworths spokesperson told Yahoo News.
SA Police fire investigators are set to attend the store on Monday to examine the scene.
Locals react to Woolies store fire
The billowing smoke was difficult to miss in the area, with the car park filled with it, and many could only watch on as their local shopping centre burned.
"So sad it's completely gone," one woman wrote online. "My favourite butcher, and the stockpot is such a loss too and the new sushi bar as well."
Some speculated the shopping centre would need a complete rebuild.
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Teenagers charged with arson
Following investigations, two 14-year-old boys who reside in neighbouring suburbs have been arrested and charged with arson. They were issued a court order for December and granted bail.
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