Brandon Zerk-Thatcher, a defender for Port Adelaide, was forced to evacuate his Glenelg East home early morning when a fire broke out nearby. The blaze, which originated from a deliberately set car, quickly grew and posed a threat to his property and others along Brighton Road.
Zerk-Thatcher, along with his partner Abby and their pets, acted swiftly to escape the dangerous situation. He recounted the moment they realised the flames were close, saying, “By the time we opened the door I reckon it had just got to our house, so we got our cats and ran out of there.” The incident has left him shaken and questioning the safety of their neighbourhood.
Emergency services arrived at the scene shortly after 2am to battle the flames that were endangering multiple properties. Local residents reported a loud explosion prior to the fire and expressed their concerns about potential hazards. One resident, Blake Bishop, mentioned his worry that the vehicle could explode, while another, Madison Bishop, noted she heard an explosion before she saw the flames.
Witnesses reported seeing individuals fleeing the area shortly after the fire ignited, with some indicating they had stepped over a jerry can while escaping. The police are currently conducting an investigation to identify those responsible for the arson.
This frightening episode has sparked discussions in the community about safety and security in the area as detectives continue their search for leads. The fire not only endangered lives but has also disrupted a sense of safety among residents.