Fire crews on an elevated platform tackling the blaze at the Mandarin Chinese restaurant back in March
THE PSNI say a fire at a Chinese restaurant in Derry city centre was not suspicious.
Around 130 fire-fighters – from the city and beyond – were drafted into to tackle the blaze at Mandarin Palace and Karma on the Strand Road in March.
No-one was injured during the huge fire which sent plumes of smoke into the air and across the city.
However, homes in the area were evacuated for their own safety.
The fire – which started in the kitchen and sent flames shooting up in an extractor fan caused considerable damage to the building and other businesses.
An investigation has been carried out by the NI Fire and Rescue Services investigation branch and the PSNI’s Crime Scene Investigation unit.
After two months of sifting through the charred building, investigators have said the fire was accidental and there was nothing suspicious about its cause.
Almost 70 people worked at the restaurant.
The owner has already started demolition work on the premises and hopes to be back in business as soon as possible.
Demolition work starts on the Mandarin chinese restaurant
