One fire fighter and one policeman, tried in vain to control the inferno on Friday afternoon, before Columbus Stainless rushed to the rescue by sending help. Three hours later, the team was only relieved by reinforcements from the striking Fire Department.

The horrific blaze claimed the life of one adult male, who was trapped in a vehicle parked outside Ultra Liquors when a wall collapsed onto the vehicle. Bystanders tried to free the man before being pushed back by the growing flames.

By some miracle, everyone inside the burning building managed to escape with their lives. The fire was finally extinguished on Saturday morning at 03:00, but kept smoldering for the rest of the weekend.