A car was deliberately driven into a Mentone tobacco store and set alight in the early hours of Saturday morning, triggering an evacuation of nearby residents. Fire Rescue Victoria crews responded to the blaze on nepean Highway around 2:30 AM, finding the building “well and truly engulfed” according to Commander Steve Morgan.
Firefighters rescued residents from the rear of the building as the store rapidly deteriorated, with the structure begining to collapse. It took 35 firefighters approximately an hour and a half to bring the fire under control and prevent it from spreading to adjacent properties. ”Crews did a fantastic job to pull it up before it actually spread next door and caused any more damage,” Commander Morgan said. He added, “We’re extremely lucky that there was no-one hurt or injured in this.”
Police are investigating the incident and believe the offenders fled in a white Toyota Prado, and perhaps also in a small red vehicle, possibly a hatchback, seen leaving the scene with the four-wheel-drive.
Fire crews remained at the scene Saturday morning to monitor for any remaining flare-ups within the destroyed shop.
Anyone with information or footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.