Massive Fire Destroys Worcester Strip Mall Including 4 Businesses

No One Was Injured, However, Building is Set for Demolition

Katz Paniagua, Staff Writer • November 5, 2025

Fire Destroys Worcester Strip Mall Including 4 Businesses | Thumbnail edited on Canva | Background Image source: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/raging-blaze-rips-through-businesses-at-worcester-strip-mall/ar-AA1OSIiG

Monday, Oct. 20th

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A large fire broke out October 21 on Main Street in Worcester, destroying a strip mall that housed four businesses, including Kokoriko’s Pizza & Fried Chicken, M.R. Services Retail Store, California Hair Design, and a store under construction. Firefighters arrived around 8 p.m. and found heavy smoke and flames. Part of the first floor collapsed into the basement, forcing crews to fight the fire from outside of the strip. Flames spread through the attic, making it difficult to control, and it took more than 5 and a half hours to fully extinguish the blaze.

“I came over and saw the smoke coming up on the last units over there, 817, and I saw all the fire,” said Tam Nguyen, the property owner. Nguyen had purchased the property 25 years ago, renting out the units to build his own American Dream after immigrating from Vietnam. “Refugee, we are immigrants, and we come over here. We just want to do something for a living, try to support a family, get better… It’s a big loss but luckily no one got hurt.” Other residents alike expressed sadness over the loss of the shops but were relieved that no injuries had occurred during the incident.

Thankfully, there were no injuries and everyone was safe. Leave your thoughts about the incident by clicking the comment button on your right-hand side! Tune in for more articles.

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