A suspected arson incident has taken place at an industrial car yard in Port Kennedy, located in the south of Perth, resulting in significant damage. The fire broke out around 9.30 pm, culminating in the destruction of seven vehicles, with explosions that could be heard from distant suburbs, alarming local residents.
Witness Aimee Leigh Brown described hearing a series of loud bangs, stating, “I heard a bang then another big bang… A lot of noise for a very quiet area” which heightened her concerns and reluctance to venture outside. The flames created a scene reminiscent of a furnace at the Paxton Way smash repair business.
Emergency services responded promptly, cutting through a wire fence to gain access to the site and tackle the blaze. Firefighters faced additional challenges due to a nearby paint workshop stocked with flammable substances, which heightened the risk during their operations.
As dawn broke, car owners returned to the scene to survey the damage left in the wake of the fire. Authorities have launched an investigation and suspect that the fire may have been intentionally set by an arsonist. The case continues to develop as the community reels from the event.