Charlie’s Diner in West Springfield destroyed after fire

WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – A community is coming together after a fire Tuesday afternoon destroyed Charlie’s Diner, a popular restaurant in West Springfield.

Many gathered at Charlie’s Diner in disbelief after firefighters were called to the business this Tuesday afternoon for a fire. Firefighters were called to Charlie’s Diner on Union Street around 4:30 p.m. Tuesday for a report of a fire. When they arrived, flames and smoke came from the restaurant’s windows.

West Springfield Fire Lt. Tony Spear told 22News the diner was destroyed but luckily no one was hurt. The Union Street diner was popular with the local community for decades.

Residents expressed sadness and shock at the loss of a beloved local establishment.

“I could see the smoke and I could see out the firemen and the policemen. So I turned around, came back through, and that’s when I noticed all the billowing smoke. And we ran in the house, got my husband said, Hey, Charlie, this is burning down. I said it’s one of our favorite places to eat. It’s sad. It’s been here longer than I’ve been alive, so it’s crazy,” said Kimberlyn Meyer of West Springfield.

No word yet on how this fire started.

This is a developing story. 22News will continue to cover this story and bring you new information as soon as it’s available.

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