One motorist said he could see it while driving on Route 66 north of Greensburg in Westmoreland County. And there were other reports that smoke could be seen from the North Hills. All I know is they're going to have to knock it down and start over. Fire officials said the blaze grew quickly. And some shoppers said a sense of panic enveloped the crowd.
Firefighters water down the remains of the store.
Joanne Loy, a Mt. Lebanon resident who was just entering the store, heard a popping noise and then half the lights went out. She said employees started rushing toward her and told her to leave the store. As I was going out the front door, black smoke was coming out with me. Pleasant Hills Fire Chief Dan Haeck said he sent his volunteers to the rear stockroom where the blaze is believed to have started. But he called them out again within 20 seconds after the building became fully engulfed in flames.