BLAZE GUTS ‘HOME OF CAR CULTURE’
Popular motor businesses hit by devastating fire outbreak
A BLAZE destroyed “the home of Ireland’s car culture” after several motor businesses caught fire.
Fire brigades and gardai rushed to Ballycoolin Industrial Estate in West Dublin on Tuesday night as flames and smoke billowed from the buildings.
Some 22 firefighters with breathing apparatus attended the scene after responding to a 999 call at 8.50pm.
Six fire engines, including a turntable ladder and a foam tender, were used at the incident.
A Dublin Fire Brigade spokesman said: “On arrival, firefighters found a welldeveloped fire with smoke drifting across the locality.”
At the time, local residents were advised to close all windows and doors if affected by smoke from the fire.
Gardai said no offences have been disclosed in relation to the fire.
Several businesses are understood to have been affected, including Deane’s Motors, The Engine Block, Franklin Motor Cycles, and JC Autocare. Deane’s
Motors is one of Ireland’s leading classic and performance car specialists and is home to many high-valued vehicles.
Taking to Instagram on Tuesday night, Deane’s Motors shared a video of the terrifying scene.
Large flames were seen coming from the building as smoke blurred the camera.
Firefighters desperately tried to beat the blaze as multiple fire trucks could be seen at the scene.
The caption read: “The home of Ireland’s car culture is gone. We don’t know what to say. Please bear with us over the coming days. Everyone is safe and that’s all that matters.”
The Engine Block describes itself as a place where “machines of all shapes and sizes are celebrated” and is a cornerstone for the Irish car community to meet and share their passion.
Many car enthusiasts have taken to social media to share their devastation over the fire.
One person wrote: “After all your hard work to provide the Irish car culture with a home, it’s now our turn to help you guys out as much as we can. I’m sure I can speak for everyone in saying if you guys need help in anything we are here.”
Another car fan said: “Absolutely devastated guys, we all saw the work that went into that place. If I can help in any way I’m there.”
Drift Games also shared the video on its Instagram page, writing: “10 years of work, hopes and dreams gone in less than two hours.
“Our HQ and all of our cars have disappeared forever.”
The business has over 200k followers on Youtube and sells car merchandise. The homepage on its website currently reads: “A dark day. Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Drift Games online store is closed until further notice.”
Our HQ and all our cars have disappeared forever
DRIFT GAMES AFTER DEVASTATING BLAZE