Ex-SAJC chief Steve Ploubidis injured as Plato’s Greek Chargrill takeaway at Walkerville goes up in flames

Firefighters have rushed to the scene of a popular inner suburbs takeaway shop with the owner - who is also a well-known Adelaide businessman - hurt in the fire.

One of Adelaide’s leading horse racing identities has been taken to the Royal Adelaide Hospital with severe burns after a fire at his popular Walkerville takeaway shop.

MFS firefighters attended Plato’s Greek Chargrill, on Walkerville Tce, just before 11.30am where a fire was understood to have broken out in the kitchen.

The business is owned by former SA Jockey Club chief executive Steve Ploubidis who was taken to hospital suffering severe burns.

There are reports the whole plaza - and all the shops within - may need to close while the damage is assessed.

Fotrmer SAJC chief executive officer Steve Ploubidis at Cheltenham Racecourse.

Plato’s Greek Chargrill at Walkerville was extensively damaged. Picture: Ben Clark

Elyse Wong, 37, works at CLM Sleep Co two doors down on the same plaza and said her shop would remain closed for the foreseeable future.

She said while her store only suffered smoke damage, an insurance officer told her that the roof of the entire plaza would need to be replaced.

“He told us that it might be six months until we can re-open... We will have to send everyone to our Hills office until we can re-open,” Ms Wong said.

HAPPENING NOW: Fire crews are responding to a blaze at a popular Walkerville takeaway shop. #7NEWSpic.twitter.com/7YiiLq1l6M

— 7NEWS Adelaide (@7NewsAdelaide) September 4, 2024

Plato’s Greek Chargrill at Walkerville. Picture: George Yankovich

Damage to Aspect Conveyancing next door. Picture: Ben Clark

Firefighters mop up after the blaze. Picture: Ben Clark

A video obtained by 7NEWS shows the building billowing thick smoke and firefighters rushing to battle the blaze.

Thirty firefighters worked for 40 minutes to contain the blaze, with the damage bill estimated to be about $500,000.

Mr Ploubidis has also held senior roles with the SANFL and Makris Group.

The fire was contained to the takeaway outlet, but neighbouring businesses suffered smoke and water damage.

Lindy Harris, 60, owns Aspect Conveyancing next door and said her premises suffered wall and ceiling damage, with the total damage costs yet unknown.

Platos Greek Chargrill on Walkerville Terrace. Picture: Ben Clark

Ms Harris provided a fire extinguisher which a bystander used to douse the flames before firefighters arrived.

She said Mr Ploubidis appeared to be “in shock” when ambulance crews wheeled him away from the scene.

The manager of Walkerville Chiropractic on the other side of the takeaway shop also reported water damage from the fire.

Fassina bottle shop manager Ben Barletta, 69, said he heard fire sirens and rushed out to see smoke pouring out of the awnings above the entrance.

“There was black smoke billowing towards Stephen Terrace,” he said.

“The plume sort of went back around to the top of the fire, back toward the roof in a circular motion... It was quite strong, thick smoke.”

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