The owner of a cleaning firm has spoken of his devastation after his company’s original van was destroyed by fire at Noble’s Hospital.
The vehicle, which contained a gutter vacuum, lances, triggers and other equipment, went up in flames on hospital grounds.
Juan Lace, who started the business with the van, said: “Watching years of hard work and investment go up in smoke was absolutely devastating and completely beyond control.”
He confirmed: “Everything in the back of the van is destroyed.”
While insurance is in place, the timing has been described as particularly difficult. He said: “Insurance is there for a reason I suppose but doesn’t make it any easier especially during our peak season.”
Customers with bookings may be rescheduled, though a second duplicate van remains operational.
He added: “Jack will still be working in the second van which luckily is a duplicate so can still do majority of the work and will be doing everything possible to keep up.”
He thanked those who helped at the scene, saying: “Thank you to all for the help this morning and kind words.”