Witnesses Describe Explosions as Fire Destroys Brunswick Bike Shop
Witnesses have reported hearing explosions coming from inside a bike shop in Brunswick, Melbourne’s inner north, as a fire destroyed the business last night. The incident occurred at a shop on Prentice Street, where emergency services were called around 9:15pm after smoke began to billow from under the doorway of the building.
Police confirmed that no one was inside the premises at the time of the fire, and the cause remains under investigation. Volunteers from The Big Umbrella Foundation, a street meals service, were located in a neighbouring property when the fire broke out.
One volunteer, Lucy, said they were packing up for the night when they initially thought they heard a car alarm. However, some team members went to investigate and discovered the fire.
“In a matter of five minutes, the whole place was up in flames,” Lucy explained. “We could hear actual explosions going off in there.”
The emergency food service was forced to evacuate its premises. Thick plumes of smoke were visible from the building as nearly 30 firefighters worked to tackle the blaze from above. A spokesperson from Fire Rescue Victoria stated that it took more than an hour to bring the fire under control. A police spokesperson mentioned that a crime scene had been established at the location.
Arson Attack in Keysborough
In a separate incident, police are investigating an early morning blaze in a row of adjoining factories in Keysborough, located in Melbourne’s south-east. According to reports, an offender broke into a vehicle accessories business on Olive Grove around 12:15am.
“A fire was started before offenders fled the scene,” a Victoria Police spokesperson said. Firefighters managed to contain the blaze to a single premises. Authorities confirmed that no one was inside the building at the time of the incident.
“It is yet to be determined if this incident is linked to any others,” police added. Anyone who witnessed the event or has footage or information is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 800 333 000 or visit their website online.
