Shopping Centre in Melbourne Suburb Evacuated Following Gas Bottle Explosion

2017-12-21 10

A shopping centre in the Melbourne suburb of Frankston, Victoria, was evacuated on December 21 after several gas bottles caught fire and exploded just after 7 pm, officials said.

The Bayside Shopping Centre was evacuated as a precaution, the Country Fire Authority (CFA) said, while firefighters worked to decant and flame off some of the leaking bottles. There were no injuries reported and minimal damage to surrounding areas, the CFA said.

The incident occurred shortly after a car was driven into pedestrians near Flinders Street station in Melbourne, causing several injuries. Police said they believed it was a deliberate act.

This footage shows people standing outside the Bayside Shopping Centre following the evacuation. Credit: Twitter/IndiBlu via Storyful