Fire near Nylex Clock site in Cremorne
POLICE are appealing for witnesses to come forward after a suspicious factory fire threatened Melbourne’s iconic Nylex clock and caused traffic mayhem. SEE THE PHOTOS, VIDEO
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POLICE are appealing for witnesses to come forward after a suspicious factory fire threatened Melbourne’s iconic Nylex clock and caused traffic mayhem.
Commuters were spared a morning crush after the Monash Freeway Punt Rd on-ramp in Richmond was reopened just before 10pm.
But concerns have been raised that the blaze was deliberately lit, possibly by squatters.
Emergency crews were last night still waiting to access all parts of the factory to gather evidence.
Detective Senior Constable Nick Dugga said police were awaiting an arson chemist to analyse the crime scene.
“There is some concern of asbestos, which is delaying us getting in there,” he said.
“There have been a number of smaller fires in the past believed to have been the result of squatters inside the building.”
About 60 firefighters battled the enormous Gough St blaze in an abandoned factory near the Nylex clock for more than two hours in the early hours of yesterday morning. While the clock was spared in the ferocious fire, the factory was razed in the inferno
Nearby residents told the Herald Sun they heard explosions after midnight before the fire took hold.
Anne said she heard loud bangs followed by a thick plume of smoke.
“I saw massive flames leaping up. I thought, ‘here we go again’,” she said.
“I think it’s deliberate, I don’t think these fires are random.”
There was a fire at the same location in September and neighbours said there were others in recent years.
MFB spokesman Ian Morris said firefighters arrived on the scene in less than six minutes and used aerial appliances to reduce the suspicious blaze.
The fire was declared under control at 2:05am.
The Nylex Clock sign was illuminated by the flames.
Caydon Property Group are the owners and developers of the Nylex clock site.
Caydon principal Joe Russo said the developer will work with authorities to investigate the cause of the fire.
“Caydon has a number of security measures in place to prevent unlawful entry at the site, including perimeter fencing, hazardous material warning signage, locks on all external gates and doors, and 24/7 security patrols,” he said.
“The scale, configuration and heritage restrictions of this unique site presents numerous challenges, and it is impossible to completely prevent unwanted access from those determined to access the site.
“We regret any inconvenience the fire may cause residents and commuter traffic and are working with all authorities to make the site safe.”
Anyone with information should contact CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.
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