The Jazaar Halal Foods store is one of the many shops that have been destroyed in the vicinity. Image credit: Twitter
Belconnen is said to be a busy area where the explosion took place. Luckily, only one person has been injured.
The cause of the explosion is still under investigation, so the police are not quite sure what started or instigated this explosion.
One of the store owners in the vicinity of Belconnen, Canberra explained to the police what took place when the explosion first set alight.
The store owner of Jazaar Halal Foods said that he had talked to the owner of the Turkish Kebab and Pizza store that caused the damage to multiple stores in the area just before the explosion broke out.
He relayed that “The wall fell on the car but the kids were on the back seat … I opened the rear door and took the kids out of the rear door,”
In light of the tragedy that took place the police expressed that they are very grateful only one person got hurt and that they’re are lucky this event took place on a public holiday where many people generally visit.
The extent of the damage is still being investigated.
At this time, several roads have been closed and are still expected to be closed for some time.
A shop owner in Belconnen, Mr. Ikram expressed that he put all his money into the store and now it is all gone. But, he hopes they could rebuild after this great damage.
“I put all my money into the shop … now it’s destroyed,”
Mr. Ikram , Jazaar Halal Foods
In addition, Mr. Ikram was said to be in the area when the explosion took place as he forgot something and went back to get it. Moments later the explosion ignited, causing burns to occur on Mr. Ikrams arms and hand.
The police are encouraging anyone that has seen anything regarding the explosion to come forward.