Video: Winona Grocery Store Fire

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WINONA, Miss.(WCBI)–State Fire Marshals and Winona Fire Department Investigators were back at the scene today Tuesday]of the fire that destroyed the only full service grocery store in town.

The Super Value Grocery Store is one of the largest businesses in the Montgomery County town of Winona. And when fire erupted about seven Monday night, there was a mad dash by one of the managers to make sure customers and employees were safe.

“The blaze started immediately. Smoke started filling the back interior of the store. He evacuated everyone immediately and after we got every one, they got everyone out of the store and employees it, the smoke and fire progressed from there,” said Eddie Dodd/Store Manager.

“I got off at three o’clock and I got the call about 8 o’clock last night. And my husband and I rode up here and it was just utter kaos,” said Belinda hamilton/Store Employee.

State fire marshals are investigating the blaze, but from what we understand the fire may have started in or near a control room where the electrical boxes were. People of Winona and surrounding towns have come to depend on the business to supply some of their basic daily needs.

“People have come here for, not only do they eat our plate lunches or buy their goods here, but also money transactions. They pay their bills here, all our energy bills, gas bills, cable bills. This was a hub of Winona and it just hurts the whole community,” said Eddie Dodd/Store Manager.

Some 50 workers were employed at the store. One employee who had been at the store for 19 years, has a daughter that worked her way through college while there.

“We hoping, too, hoping they’ll build back bigger and better. And I can give them another 19 years,” said Belinda Hamilton.

No official word on what caused the blaze. From what we understand there is another store that may provide employment for some of the employees of Super value.