A man, suspected of being involved in an arson incident that ignited a dessert store in Melbourne, has succumbed to his injuries five months after the event. Following the fire at the Golden Lounge, which occurred on June 6, a group fled the scene in a waiting car, with at least one member reportedly “visibly on fire.”
Emergency services received a call approximately thirty minutes later concerning a man suffering severe burns at a nearby Fitzroy location. The 52-year-old St Albans resident was promptly hospitalised, where he battled with his injuries until his death.
Police expressed their condolences to the man’s family, characterising the incident as “incredibly sad” but also labelled it as a “completely avoidable situation.” Detective Inspector Chris Murray remarked on the rising dangers of fire-related incidents and the frequent warnings issued over the past two years regarding the potential for fatalities stemming from such arson attacks. This recent death underscores these concerns, with Murray highlighting the tragic outcome for both innocent victims and those involved in the fire.
At the time of the blaze, there were no other individuals present within the store, although the damage inflicted on the structure and surrounding businesses was significant. Investigators are exploring previous attempts at arson linked to the same establishment, including an incident from December 6 of the previous year.
As of now, no further arrests have been made in connection with either fire. Murray urged anyone with information regarding the incident or those responsible for the loss of life to come forward. He emphasised the recklessness of those who orchestrate these fires, asserting that individuals profiting from these acts show a blatant disregard for the safety of those they put at risk. Murray cautioned that a mere financial incentive is not worth jeopardising one’s life or enduring lasting injuries from such dangerous activities.