Fire in Meadows causes $500k damage to crash repair business

Explosions were heard before a massive blaze ravaged a popular workshop renowned for restoring classic cars, causing more than $500,000 damage.

The huge fire that swept through a Meadows crash repair shop. Picture: 7NEWS

An electrical fault at a popular workshop renowned for restoring classic cars has been identified as the cause of a half-a-million dollar blaze.

Just after 1:20am on Thursday firefighters responded Meadows Panelworx Crash Repairs on Mawson Rd to reports a large bang was heard and flames were coming from the workshop.

Resident Colin Moritz told 7NEWS the flames were intense.

“All of a sudden I saw all these flames and the whole shed was just red with a big red glow,” he said.

An electrical fault has sparked a massive blaze that has destroyed a Meadows crash repair shop. Three classic cars were destroyed in the inferno which has left a damage bill of more than $500,000. @pcaldicott7#7NEWSpic.twitter.com/QicpAFrPcH

— 7NEWS Adelaide (@7NewsAdelaide) April 10, 2025

About 40 CFS firefighters with 10 trucks worked alongside the Metropolitan Fire Service. Picture: File

Kathy Moritz said she was fearful the fire at the workshop – which is right next to a petrol station – had the potential to spread.

“I said we should stand back just in case there is an explosion,” she said.

Five cars were damaged in the inferno which has left a damage bill of more than $500,000.

Neighbours have vowed to rally around the owner.

Country Fire Service’s Micheal Bohrnsen said firefighters worked hard to contain the blaze and save neighbouring properties.

“(It was) certainly a difficult, very hot scene on arrival for firefighters but (the priority was) getting to work very early, very quickly and containing it to just the premises.

About 40 CFS firefighters with 10 trucks worked alongside the Metropolitan Fire Service, with support from the SA Ambulance Service, in a co-ordinated effort to extinguish the fire.

A CFS spokesperson said its volunteer firefighters, wearing breathing apparatus, prevented the fire from spreading.

“(The fire) could have caused much greater damage to the business and neighbouring properties,” the spokesperson said.

Originally published as Fire in Meadows causes $500k damage to crash repair business