Man who sparked Springvale bank fire says he didn’t mean to hurt anyone
A MAN who turned himself into a human fireball after waiting too long to be served at a suburban Melbourne bank insists he didn’t mean to hurt anyone. WARNING: DISTURBING VIDEO
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A MAN who turned himself into a human fireball after waiting too long to be served at a bank insists he didn’t mean to hurt anyone.
Nur Islam, 21, was today committed to stand trial on 108 charges over the frightening incident at a Springvale branch of the Commonwealth Bank last year.
His lawyer said there was no dispute Mr Islam started the November 18 blaze.
But he said Mr Islam denied any suggestion he had intended to hurt anyone inside the Springvale Rd bank, 30km southeast of Melbourne’s CBD.
Graphic CCTV footage was played showing Mr Islam pour petrol around the bank, then stand in a puddle of fuel and set himself alight.
Chief Crown Prosecutor Gavin Silbert, QC, said Mr Islam had gone to the bank to withdraw his entire savings, $442, and became angry at how long he had to wait.
He walked to a nearby petrol station and bought 11 litres of fuel he later used to set fire to himself and the bank.
What followed was “pandemonium”, Mr Silbert said, as terrified customers and bank staff tried to flee to safety.
At the time the fire was lit 14 employees and 23 customers were inside the bank with 26 suffering injuries.
Mr Islam is still suffering significant injuries from the blaze.
He was at today’s hearing at the Melbourne Magistrates Court and remained emotionless as footage of the incident was played.
He pleaded not guilty to all charges and has been committed to stand trial at the County Court where he will appear for an initial hearing tomorrow.