Fire damages landmark diner in Haddon Twp., NJ

HADDON TWP., N.J. (WPVI) -- A devastating weekend fire has decimated a popular diner in Haddon Township, New Jersey. And while the investigation continues into a cause, residents are cautiously optimistic that they're favorite eating place isn't gone forever.

Residents around the Westmont area of Haddon Township are sad to learn of the 2-alarm fire that gutted the Crystal Lake Diner on Cuthbert Boulevard - a local landmark with its signature red roof for more than 20 years.

"It's just a shame because it was a good place to eat and a lot of people came here and they are really going to miss it. I hope they rebuild," said Rich Riley of Collingswood.

Owner Tony Vasilakis didn't want to say much today, but he did tell me he hopes to rebuild.

"We have to be back again," he said.

Louis Alberta of Collingswood tells us, "I'm devastated. I mean Facebook is blowing up, text messages are blowing up with people talking about it. That's why I came to take pictures to send to people who don't live here anymore."

The fire was reported at 11:47 Sunday night when Vasilakis and several employees were closing up for the evening. Fire officials say the blaze started in the diner's basement and quickly spread.

Haddon Township resident Judy Spell says, "Oh it was hot. It was really cooking. The flames just started shooting out of the rooftop so it looked like it was coming from the kitchen area."

Haddon Township Police Chief Mark Cavallo tells Action News, "We don't know the cause at this point. The Camden County Fire Marshal's Office along with Haddon Township Fire Marshal, they're still sifting through the debris. We don't believe at this point that there's anything suspicious about this fire."

Because the first floor collapsed into the basement, heavy machinery had to be called in to pull equipment out so fire investigators could get into examine the fire's point of origin.

While the investigation continues officials are also making sure that the spoiled food ruined in the fire is removed so it doesn't smell or create a public health problem.