Innocent Adelaide business owners have been left devastated after being caught up in a western suburbs arson attack, sparking a police investigation into potential links to the illegal tobacco trade.Â
The arson attack about 3am in Findon saw flames engulf a store named Vapen before spreading to nearby businesses.
Security camera footage captured a bright glow emanating from the Findon Road store and a black sedan departing the scene shortly thereafter.Â
The blaze was so intense that more than 40 firefighters responded to the scene and eventually brought the fire under control.Â
However, three stores sustained significant fire and smoke damage.
“I heard just a big noise… like a bomb explosion⦠it was a scary thing, I thought the whole thing was exploding,” one resident said.
The owners of the nearby businesses caught up in the fire are now grappling with the aftermath.Â
“All the ceiling and roof has been damaged, there’s a lot of water damage in there,” Sam Pokala, the owner of the local Domino’s franchise, said.
“It’s a huge financial impact on me and my family.”Â
The owner of Jade Nail Spa indicated she had been building the business for two years and now faces the prospect of starting over.
“She works really hard, every time I go past she just works non-stop… I really feel for her, hopefully she can rebuild,” Zoe Pledger from the neighbouring Fluff and Stuff Dog Style saidÂ
Fire cause investigators and detectives spent today examining the scene. Police are investigating a possible connection to the illegal tobacco trade, with Operation Eclipse detectives involved in the inquiry.
Authorities are appealing to the public for any information related to the incident.Â
