Southbank hotel flood accused ‘found with mop in hand’ after 400,000 litres of water released
Firefighters who raced to a Southbank hotel flooded with 400,000 litres of water found a drug-affected man accused of the crime with a mop in his hand, a court has heard.
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Firefighters who raced to a Southbank hotel flooded with 400,000 litres of water found a drug-affected man accused of the crime with a mop in his hand, a court has heard.
It’s alleged Bradley Vogt, 28, was trying to mop up his mess after opening fire hydrants on 18 levels of the Experience Bella Hotel, causing at least $1.4 million damage.
He had used significant quantities of illicit drugs before preying on the 33-storey complex, the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court heard.
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Mr Vogt is facing seven charges, including intentionally damaging property, resisting emergency workers, interfering with a hydrant and trafficking ice.
Mr Vogt had checked into the hotel on May 23, planning to stay for a week.
Four days later he’s accused of consuming a “large combination” of illicit substances before heading to the fire escape about 9pm, prosecutor Craig McConaghy said today.
Mr Vogt allegedly opened all the fire hydrants between levels one and 18, causing water to pour out.
Within 10 minutes of ground floor guests notifying concierge Oriwia Hohaia of water near the fire escape door, it was ankle deep and pouring out the front door.
Firefighter Tim Erikson said he had serious safety concerns about the stairwell door because of the sheer volume of water pressing behind it.
His concerns proved right.
An electrical flash was seen through a small window before the door snapped in half and a rush of water flooded into the lobby.
Mr Erikson and other firefighters found the hydrants “wedged” open, some needing tools to close.
Mr McConaghy said they found Vovt on level 10 with a mop in his hand, attempting to soak up the ankle-deep water.
Firefighters asked if he’d turned the hydrants on and he nodded, the prosecutor said.
Mr Vogt was asked to go downstairs and join the rest of the 300 or so guests and residents being evacuated.
But as more firefighters headed upstairs they found the level-four hydrant on again, and at level eight found Mr Vogt lying on the stairs, mop still in hand, and water washing over him.
He was taken to the manager’s office but when police tried to talk to him, Mr Vogt allegedly lashed out violently at four officers.
More police arrived to help as Mr Vogt was sedated, and he continued to lash out until he was strapped to a stretcher.
A bag containing 1.4g of methamphetamine and an ice pipe were found in the manager’s office after Vogt was removed, and another gram was later found in his underwear, it’s alleged.
The damage bill for the flooding is still being counted, but has already reached between $1.4 million and $1.6 million, the court was told.