According to the Sydney Pioneer Morning Post, a fire broke out at a bank in the southeastern Melbourne district of Springvale, injuring more than 20 people and severely burning five others.
At about 11:30 today, a man set himself on fire in front of the federal bank in Springvale, Melbourne, causing a serious fire and injuring at least 21 people, according to Australian media sources and Chinese people.
After the incident, a number of sources said that suspected Muslim-like person-bound explosives appeared at the scene of the fire, but no official confirmation of the news.
Police said a man set fire to a branch of the Federal Bank on Springvale Road in the Springvale Central district around 11:30.
Rescue workers arrived at the scene and carried the injured out of the bank with a stretcher. Paramedics also treated more than a dozen injured people on the road outside.
A total of 21 people, including arson men, were treated at the scene. The arsonist was taken to Alfred Hospital under police control, sustaining serious injuries.
At the time of the incident, four people in the bank, all severely burned, were taken to hospital.
Sixteen others, including 2 children, were treated at the site before being taken to the Monash and Dandenong hospitals.
Eric Sleuriot, a passer-by, saw several police cars roar by as he waited at the Springvale train station. "it`s so cruel, it`s unbelievable," he said.
The Federal Bank said its "emergency response team" was cooperating with emergency workers, saying in a statement, "We confirm that there was an accident at Springvale Branch today and that the safety of employees and customers is now our most important thing. Due to the impact of the incident, the bank will be closed today. Our emergency team is on the spot, working closely with the authorities and emergency workers. "
The two-way carriageway between Balmoral Avenue and Windsor Avenue on Springvale Road is blocked.
