Devastating impact of major fire costs Oxford shop over £1,300

On Saturday evening (May 2), smoke could be seen rising from the ground on Cowley Road outside Sundaes Gelato, opposite the O2 Academy.

Thames Valley Police cars and Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service fire engines arrived at the scene shortly after, and a cordon was put in place with tape.

Members of the public were warned to get back away from the site with flames soon “erupting” from the smoke, according to onlookers.

AS IT HAPPENED: Smoke billows from underground as police tape off Oxford street

Food had to be thrown away because of the fire. (Image: Sundaes Gelato)

Officers warned nearby residents to close their windows as the large plume of black smoke rose and spread around the surrounding streets.

The road reopened around 11pm on Saturday night, but the site of the fire remains cordoned off after the blaze was extinguished.

An employee at Sundaes Gelato, who contacted this newspaper and wished to remain anonymous, has spoken about the impact of the fire.

“It was quite a frightening and uncomfortable experience to witness,” they said.

READ MORE: Watch ‘frightening’ moment flames erupt as staff trapped inside shop

Sundaes Gelato in Oxford. (Image: Sundaes Gelato)

“[I was the] first person to notice the fire and immediately acted to get all customers safely out of the shop.

“As a result of the fire, we suffered a significant loss to the business as we had customers inside and we were open at the time of the incident.

“We had to close the shop until 4pm on Sunday as the electricity cut off our ice cream display and freezer room.

“Because of this, all products were melted and had to be thrown away, and the cleaning cost is more than £1,300.”