Asia-Pacific

More than 20 injured after fire in Australian bank

Man allegedly starts fire in Melbourne which critically injures six and forces evacuations

A fire in a Melbourne branch of Commonwealth Bank of Australia which police said was allegedly set by a man, has injured 27 people. The man "has been taken to hospital in a serious condition under police guard”. Video: REUTERS
Fri Nov 18 2016 - 08:39

A fire in a Melbourne branch of Commonwealth Bank of Australia on Friday, which police said was allegedly set by a man, injured 27 people, including six critically.

Victoria police, in a statement, said the man who allegedly started the fire “has been taken to hospital in a serious condition under police guard”.

The bank branch, about 23km (14 miles) from Melbourne’s central business district, has been evacuated, the police added.

Emergency service workers are seen at a branch of the Commonwealth Bank after. Julian Smith/Reuters
Emergency service workers are seen at a branch of the Commonwealth Bank after. Julian Smith/Reuters
A fire damaged ATM at the Melbourne bank. Photograph: Julian Smith/EPA
A fire damaged ATM at the Melbourne bank. Photograph: Julian Smith/EPA

A statement from Ambulance Victoria said the injured ranged from a toddler to people in their 80s.

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CBA confirmed the incident in a statement and said the branch will remain closed for the rest of Friday.

Reuters