Cremated remains were rescued from a Dundee funeral directors after a devastating blaze tore through a row of buildings.
Takeaway China China was left extensively damaged in Saturday morning’s fire on Clepington Road. The blaze broke out at around 11am and spread to the neighbouring funeral directors Affertons as well as a barbershop.
By pure luck, Athertons did not contain any deceased awaiting burial, while all human ashes were removed intact.
Paul Craigie, one of the business’ funeral directors, said: “I was over-the-moon when I found out all the ashes had been saved.
“I was so worried.”
The 57-year-old said: “After cremation, they are stored in plastic bags in cardboard boxes so they would not have withstood any contact with flames.
“The police called me to let me know they had them all in the back of their van.
“I nearly shook their hands off when I arrived to collect them.
“I’m absolutely elated. I’m so relieved for the families. I want to make sure they know that all the ashes are safe.”
As soon as emergency personnel arrived at the scene, both police and firefighters checked adjacent properties for anyone inside.
After being informed about the blaze, Mr Craigie rushed over from Douglas.
Officers were then quick to verify with him that no cadavers were inside.
He added: “This is also probably the first weekend in about three years we don’t have a body awaiting burial inside. It’s hugely fortunate.
“I am still worried about records within the building as I haven’t been able to get in yet to check.
“I believe the worst damage is confined to the roof space but that remains to be seen.”
Ali Maraf, who was working in First Class Barber — one along from Affertons — said his client alerted him to the smell of smoke mid-haircut.
He said: “We realised there was a fire next door so quickly ran out.
“Nobody was inside the other buildings. It was a lucky escape.”
Oscar Ali, who co-owns the business with Mr Maraf, added: “We spent about £10,000 fitting out the shop just last year.
“I think the whole inside will be blackened with smoke.”
