Customers evacuated after driver allegedly crashes into Gippsland Centre on Cunninghame St in Sale, flees scene and is arrested
Customers have evacuated a Gippsland shopping centre after a driver allegedly ploughed into the building before fleeing the scene, who was later arrested.
Bass Coast News
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Customers have been evacuated from a busy shopping centre in Gippsland after a driver allegedly ploughed into an entrance and fled the scene.
Police were called to the Gippsland Centre on Cunninghame St in Sale just before 4pm on Monday.
A police spokeswoman said a red Ford Falcon ute drove through the front glass doors of the centre.
“Officers were told the ute drove through the centre before fleeing the scene,” the spokeswoman said.
The alleged driver, a 43-year-old Maffra man, was later arrested and charged with a number of offences.
A CFA spokeswoman said crews attended at 3.43pm and the incident was declared safe at 3.58pm.
A witness told the Herald Sun people took cover as the incident unfolded.
It’s understood the driver was seen allegedly driving erratically in the area before crashing into the centre.
No one was injured and emergency services were not required.
“Due to an accident this afternoon access via the Bakers Delight and Coles entrances to the centre is currently closed,” the Gippsland Centre said in a statement.
“Police will advise when this end of the centre can be re-opened.
“We ask for your patience during this time.”
The centre provided updates on their Facebook page on how customers could access the centre.
“Door has been made secure at Paper Cranes Sushi entrance. Please enter tomorrow (Tuesday) from doors closest to Bakers Delight until we have sourced new doors,” the centre said in a Facebook post.
“Connor entrance secured and safe. Please use the door closest to Williams to enter and exit from this side.
“Huge thanks to the team at Inta Plumbing for making our centre safe — love your work and appreciate the after hours effort.
The centre continued posting updates on social media prior to opening on Tuesday.
“Enter via Lowe’s and Woolies entrance and Coles after hours entrance tomorrow *Tuesday) first things,” the centre wrote.
“Council Inspector has to sign off on our safety works before these doors can be used again. We hope to know by 10am. Thank you for your patience.”
On Tuesday morning the centre said the Bakers Delight and Williams Shoes entrances were reopened.
“Huge thanks to all the first responders, emergency services personnel, centre staff and contractors who acted quickly to firstly keep people safe and then allow businesses to reopen as quickly as possible,” Nationals member Darren Chester said in a statement on Facebook.
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The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online.
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