Car bursts into flames before rolling into Preston apartment
A woman — and her pet bunny — had a lucky escape today after a car exploded in a Preston driveway and rolled into her flat, setting it ablaze. The fire has been deemed suspicious.
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A woman — and her pet bunny — had a lucky escape today after a car exploded in a Preston driveway and rolled into her flat, setting it ablaze.
Residents in Benambra St were woken shortly before 6am by a “loud explosion” and shattering glass: a 4WD in the driveway of a block of units owned by the Salvation Army had burst into flames.
The burning car then rolled backwards down the driveway and into the front of Kahlia McIntosh’s flat, causing the exterior to catch alight.
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Within minutes, four fire trucks arrived to fight the blaze, which had engulfed the car and was threatening the front room of Ms McIntosh’s home.
The crews, wearing breathing apparatus, took about 20 minutes to bring the blaze under control.
Two other women were initially trapped in their unit as flames forced them back inside, but all residents were evacuated. The two were assessed by paramedics and did not have to go to hospital.
Also rescued was Ms McIntosh’s rabbit, Norman. She said firefighters had gone out of their way to make sure her pet was safe.
“They specifically went in to make sure he was OK. They knew I was worried,” she said. “They’ve given him water and cuddled him … they’ve done a wonderful job making sure he was OK.”
Ms McIntosh’s flat sustained minor damage to the front bedroom.
The car was destroyed.
Local residents said they had never seen the car before and were baffled as to how it ended up ablaze in the drive.
Police and the Metropolitan Fire Brigade will investigate the cause of the fire, which has been deemed suspicious.
Anyone with information about the fire should contact CrimeStoppers by phone on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestoppersvic.com.au