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Teen arson charges over Woolies store destroyed by fire

By AAP Newswire

Oct 15, 2023

Firefighters — More than 100 firefighters were called to a fire that destroyed a Woolworths supermarket. -AAP Image

Two teenagers face arson charges after a fire destroyed a supermarket, prompting the evacuation of a shopping centre near Adelaide.

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More than 100 firefighters were called to the blaze inside a Woolworths store at Stirling in the Adelaide Hills on Sunday afternoon.

Videos on social media show people running out of the supermarket at the Stirling Village shopping centre, as large flames fill the air and alarms blare.

No injuries were reported, and the fire has been brought under control.

SA Police said the supermarket was completely destroyed and a number of other businesses were significantly damaged.

Two 14-year-old boys from the Adelaide Hills were arrested and will be charged with arson, police said.

They will be granted bail to appear in the Mount Barker Youth Court at a later date.

Firefighters had earlier said the blaze was generating thick smoke, and recommended people on Mount Barker Road and surrounding streets keep their doors and windows closed.

Mount Barker Road has been reopened with speed restrictions, and police investigators will return to the scene on Monday once it is safe.

By AAP Newswire

Australian Associated Press