Flames that ravaged McDonald's Pakuranga restaurant are now under investigation.
Emergency services rushed to McDonald’s Pakuranga restaurant on Monday afternoon after it was engulfed in flames. The fire is being treated as suspicious by Fire and Emergency, and an investigation has commenced as a result.
It is believed the fire started in the restaurant’s playground area.
The busy stretch of Pakuranga Road was closed to vehicular traffic in both directions as Firefighters battled what onlookers described as a “ball of flames”.
Six fire trucks were sent to the scene, finding the restaurant to be fully alight on arrival. A spokesperson for McDonald’s said procedures were followed to alert emergency services and safely evacuate all customers and staff.
Credit: RNZ/Marika Khabazi
“McDonald’s is assisting emergency services as they begin the investigation into the cause of the fire,” McDonald’s said in a statement.
The fire has become the subject of widespread social media attention. Onlookers said they were initially concerned about the neighbouring petrol station, however firefighters were able to securely prevent any further damage.
A worker at the Pakuranga Z petrol station said the area was full of smoke, and flames were clearly visible. The Z station was closed as a safety precaution.
Videos of the fire shared on social media platforms show thick plumes of smoke and large flames. Many also shared their concerns about the wider impact on the area, largely the effect on peak-hour traffic congestion. Some caught in the traffic described it as horrendous, while others living in nearby suburbs said the fire was still visible from great distances.
Credit: Simon Richards
Nearby Pakuranga business owners said there were still explosions happening well after emergency services arrived. Many were concerned about students leaving school in the area too.
The fire was extinguished early Monday evening, and Pakuranga Road reopened to commuters. The cause of the fire and level of impact are still subject to investigation from the fast food chain and emergency services.
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