Ballina tobacconist blows up in suspected arson attack
A northern NSW tobacconist has erupted in flames in a suspected arson attack amid a spate of similar fires locally and statewide. See the moment the building explodes.
NSW
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A northern NSW tobacconist has erupted in flames in a suspected arson attack overnight, with firefighters scrambling to extinguish the blaze.
Fire and Rescue NSW was called to the inferno on River Street at Ballina about 3.30am Wednesday, after the building exploded and torched a car parked on the road.
A Mercedes Benz sedan was driven into the business and set alight, which caused the savage blaze, according to NSW Police.
Officers have launched an investigation amid a spate of other tobacconist arson and ram raid attacks statewide in recent times, including on the North and Mid-North coasts.
A Fire and Rescue NSW spokesman said work was “ongoing” and firefighters were still working to extinguish the blaze about 8am on Wednesday.
“Please be advised that due to an ongoing incident, River Street, Ballina between Kerr and Grant streets remains closed.” he said.
“Firefighters remain on scene extinguishing a building fire.
“Residents are encouraged to remain inside with doors and windows closed due to smoke in the area.
“Our drone will also be flying over the scene to monitor fire and building conditions.”
Residents in the area took to social media to share wild footage, including the building erupting in flames.
One person claimed people living above the shop “would have lost everything”. Another said they believed the tobacconist had only recently set up shop in the building.
Richmond Police District officers found a silver Mercedes “well alight” in the shop, a NSW Police spokesman said.
“Police were told the sedan drove into the business before the vehicle caught fire, with the occupants of the vehicle leaving the scene prior to police arrival,” he said.
“FRNSW firefighters attended and extinguished the blaze, however, the building was extensively damaged.
“Surrounding units were evacuated and two other vehicles were damaged by the blaze.”
No one was injured in the fire, according to emergency services.
The Ballina blaze comes after a number of alleged arson and ram raid attacks on tobacconists across the Mid-North and North Coast of the state.
In August, an Ocean Shores tobacconist was reportedly firebombed. In June, emergency services also swarmed a Taree street after a fire tore through a tobacconist.
Police have not suggested the Ballina tobacconist fire is linked to previous incidents.
It comes as police have been investigating the ‘tobacco wars’ statewide and organised crime links to illegal tobacco supply in Sydney and regionally.
Fears were aired in June that more intense gangland warfare and fire bombings seen interstate could trouble in NSW.
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Originally published as Ballina tobacconist blows up in suspected arson attack
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