The fire brigade was called to the shopping centre at about 4.30pm due to a smoke alarm. 

A Woolworths spokesperson said the safety of customers and team members is always the company’s number one priority.

“Our Mount Isa team acted quickly to evacuate the store in line with our established safety procedures,” she said. 

The centre was inspected before people were allowed back into the store. 

There were reports of staff returning to many abandoned trolleys, which were full of groceries.

They had been left by people who chose to leave the premises and not return. 

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