Fireball garage's future is 'in limbo'

Aug 2 2007

THE co-owner of a garage at the centre of a blaze in which 100ft fireballs exploded said his business faces losing thousands of pounds.

David Homer, who has run Nelson Garages, in Ward End, Birmingham, with business partner David Harvey for the last 35 years, said their workshop will have to be completely rebuilt before business can resume.

The 63-year-old said the fire, which investigators believe was started deliberately, has left his workforce devastated.

Fire crews from across Birmingham and the Black Country were called to help tackle the blaze at the garage, in Washwood Heath Road, in the early hours of Monday.

Up to six gas cylinders exploded and flames engulfed the entire building. Terrified families were forced to flee their homes and part of the road was sealed off.

Mr Homer said: "We're in limbo. We're going to have to completely rebuild the workshop before we can start work."

He said he had no idea what the cost of a rebuild would be.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 0845 113 5000.