Moorooka bus fire: Homemade firebomb used in attack on driver, police say

A HOMEMADE firebomb hidden in a backpack was allegedly lit before being tipped on a unsuspected bus driver in Moorooka, police say.

Police at the scene of a fire in Moorooka in which a bus driver was killed. A man has been charged with murder, 11 counts of attempted murder and arson.

AN AGITATED Brisbane man hid a lit homemade firebomb in a backpack before tipping it on to an unsuspecting bus driver, it can be revealed.

Anthony Mark Edward O’Donohue, 48, allegedly lit a wick connected to a bladder filled with accelerant as he stood on the step of the bus at a stop in Moorooka.

MOOROOKA: Accused killer ‘an erratic loner’

Detectives allege that while holding the bag he imme­diately approached driver Manmeet Sharma, 29, before tipping its contents on him.

The driver, still seated, was engulfed in large flames and smoke in the horrific incident about 9am on October 28.

CCTV footage captured the shocking incident. “It comes out (of the backpack) like a fireball,” a source said.

Seconds earlier, Mr Sharma’s attacker had been standing at the front of the bus like a normal passenger. A number of other passengers had also got on to the bus at the stop on Beaudesert Rd. The doors were closed after the incident and a taxi driver broke down the rear door to let passengers escape.

O’Donohue has been charged with murder, 11 counts of attempted murder and arson.

The Courier-Mail has been told O’Donohue was diagnosed with having delusional disorders in 2011 and had not been taking medication.

Queensland Health Minister Cameron Dick announced earlier this week that a review would determine if he had ­received proper treatment.

The unemployed O’Donohue is also understood to have raised issues he has had with unions and a rail organisation.

He is represented by high-profile lawyer Adam Magill.

“It’s very sad circumstances for the victim and the Indian community,” Mr Magill said.

“And it would appear that mental health is a core issue.”

O’Donohue was taken to PA Hospital for treatment to a burn on his leg, then to Upper Mount Gravatt Police Station.

The matter has been adjourned to late this month.