Maple Mill ablaze

Photo: PH

Smoke billows into the night sky as the Maple Mill burns.

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The Maple Mill has been destroyed in a spectacular blaze. 

The fire is believed to have started in a diesel generator at about 5.30pm. It spread to propane cylinders which exploded, and that was followed by a ferocious blaze.

By 9pm flames were leaping many feet into the air, and smoke was billowing over the area. Flames were pouring out of the six-floor mill's windows as the fire engulfed the building, and up to 65 fire-fighters tackled the blaze.

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Maple Mill collapses on video

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Residents in nearby Cardwell Street had to leave their homes.

A witness said: "I heard several explosions at about 5.30pm and black smoke poured into the sky. Then it seemed to die away. However, by 9pm a huge fire had flared up and it was clear that the building couldn't be saved."

The Maple Mill in Groby Street housed kitchen trader Vance Miller's business.

Full story in today's Chronicle.