Island's Sole Pharmacy Destroyed by Arson

An island community is making do with a temporary pharmacy after its sole pharmacy was destroyed in a fire on January 25, 2015.

Brady Oates, 20, from King Island, one of the islands that comprise the state of Tasmania, Australia, is now being charged with burglary, stealing, and arson, according to ABC.

The King Island pharmacy was not the only company affected by the crime, as a newsstand and tourism business were also destroyed in the fire that spread in a building which held all 3 companies.

The total cost for the damage to the building is estimated at more than $1 million, according to ABC.

The fire took place in the island’s main town in the early morning hours. The remaining parts of the building may need to be demolished, ABC reported.

While the island community prepares to put a permanent pharmacy in place, a temporary pharmacy has been opened out of a hospital, and it should provide services for about 1800 individuals.

“A lot of people rely on that one because we’re an aging population here so we’re all on a lot of pills, which we need all the time...and there shouldn’t be any hiccup there,” island local Terry Perry told ABC.

Oates, who will appear in court in February, has not yet entered a plea.