Overview
- Police say a car was driven into the Mentone Station Tobacconist on Como Parade about 10:50pm Friday before a flammable liquid was ignited.
- About 35 Fire Rescue Victoria firefighters evacuated nearby residents through the rear and brought the blaze under control in roughly 90 minutes.
- The two-storey building was fully alight, began collapsing during the response, and no injuries were reported.
- Crews contained the fire to the site, preventing spread to adjoining businesses and apartments, and remained to monitor for flare-ups into Saturday morning.
- Local media report the store has been targeted previously in recent weeks, a pattern not confirmed by police as investigations continue and Crime Stoppers appeals remain active.