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Three police seriously injured in Melbourne flat explosion Three police seriously injured in Melbourne flat explosion
(1 day later)
Three police officers have been seriously hurt in an explosion at a Melbourne flat that injured six people. Two police officers have serious burns as a result of a gas bottle explosion at a Melbourne flat that also injured four others.
Police were called to the Middle Park flat at about 9.15pm on Saturday after reports of a man threatening to harm himself. Police were called to a Middle Park flat on Saturday after reports of a man threatening self-harm. As firefighters and police entered the flat via the balcony using a ladder, there was a large explosion caused by an exploding gas bottle.
As firefighters and police entered the second-floor flat there was a large explosion. The intensity of the explosion shattered the windows of the apartment.
The injured officers were taken to the Alfred hospital. Two female officers, including one suffering burns to 90% of her body, remain in a critical but stable condition. A male officer is in a serious but stable condition. Police Deputy Commissioner Tim Cartwright said police believed the incident to be a suicide attempt rather than a malicious attack.
Two firefighters were also taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, along with the male occupant, who remains under police guard. "This is probably the worst nightmare we have," Cartwright said. "I find this a tragedy, it cuts very deep.
Acting assistant commissioner Doug Fryer said police were still piecing together what happened. "Our members deal with people with mental illness every day ... You ask them to go and look after the community and as a result, this happens."
"There could have been injuries to other people; thankfully there was not – only those inside the room," he told reporters. Cartwright said the relatives of the police officers were traumatised by the event.
"This is part of the danger of law enforcement. Most days everyone gets home, but unfortunately we've had a tragedy." Two junior female officers who had been in the job fewer than four years received serious burns to their faces and upper bodies and are in serious but stable conditions after surgery at the Alfred hospital.
Police have asked for anyone with information about the incident to come forward. A male sergeant in his 50s is in a stable condition at the hospital.
• For support and information about suicide prevention contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 Two firefighters were hospitalised with non-life-threatening injuries. One was released from hospital on Saturday night, while the other remains at the Royal Melbourne hospital in a stable condition.
A 40-year-old male resident remains in a serious but stable condition at the Alfred hospital and is under police guard. Police said the man was not in a fit state to talk but could face charges.
Cartwright said a medical practitioner had offered assistance at the scene to spray the injured police officers using a garden hose.
Psychologists, welfare officers and a police chaplain will speak to the police officers and their families.
Police will remain at the crime scene until Monday to investigate.
Victoria's acting premier, Peter Ryan, offered his condolences on behalf of the state government.
"Our thoughts are with the police officers so seriously injured, and also with the firefighters who were badly burned, in this terrible incident," Ryan said.
He said the tragedy draws attention to how working as a police officer can be dangerous.
"We wish them a complete recovery. On behalf of the Victorian government, I thank them for the vital role which they play in protecting all of us," he said.
* Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service 100 659 467.
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