Watson's sues lift firm over Garley fire

Chain store Watson's has launched a High Court action against a lift company it blames for the 1996 Garley Building fire, in which 40 people died.

The pharmacy chain is suing Ryoden Lift and Escalator Company Limited for more than $1.7 million in damages and lost profits.

Watson's ground-floor Nathan Road shop was damaged on November 20, 1996, after a fire ripped through the neighbouring building.

Soot and smoke seeped into the shop and flaming debris showered the store-front canopy, according to a writ filed yesterday.

Nearly $1 million worth of merchandise was ruined, along with two refrigerators, a microwave oven, cash registers and the shop's sign, which caused an electrical short-circuit and brought the total losses to $1,766,103, the writ said.

'Extensive time and labour has been incurred clearing up the damaged merchandise to remedy the premises before Watson's could resume normal business hours,' the writ said.