Vehicle Ramming Sparks Fire in Richmond, Destroying Multiple Businesses
A vehicle was deliberately driven into a shop and set alight in the early hours of the morning, causing a blaze that has spread to at least ten businesses.
Emergency Response
Firefighters were called to the Victoria Street shopping strip in Richmond, an inner suburb of Melbourne, at approximately 4:15 AM after reports to Triple Zero (000). Over 80 firefighters and nearly 30 fire trucks responded to the scene.
A Fire Rescue Victoria spokesperson reported that flames and heavy smoke spread through one building, affecting at least 10 businesses. Crews successfully prevented the fire from spreading to neighboring structures and are currently working to bring the incident under control.
Arson Attack
Police stated that unknown offenders drove a vehicle into a business and set it alight before fleeing the scene. A white car was observed protruding from the damaged building. Storefronts on either side of the targeted business were also affected. No one was inside the targeted business at the time of the incident.
Community Impact
A community safety alert was issued by VicEmergency for thick smoke affecting the area around Victoria Street in Richmond. Victoria Street is closed to all traffic from Church Street to Hoddle Street, and three tram routes have been halted.
Police have established a crime scene and an investigation is ongoing.