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Three people, believed to be homeless, die in Melbourne factory fire Three people, believed to be homeless, die in Melbourne factory fire
(about 2 hours later)
Three people, believed to be homeless squatters, have been found dead inside a disused Melbourne factory after a suspicious fire.Three people, believed to be homeless squatters, have been found dead inside a disused Melbourne factory after a suspicious fire.
The CEO of the Council to Homeless Persons in Victoria, Kate Colvin, said the deaths were “devastating and awful”.
“We do not yet know more about the people who died other than they had been living there for over a year, and were well known locally,” she said.
“They had developed a garden, and made that space a home. The news is devastating, and our thoughts are with their friends and family.
“This fire is a tragic consequence of there not being enough housing that is both safe and affordable for people to live. The people sleeping in the factory were three among the thousands of Victorians who every night sleep in unsafe locations because of the housing crisis.”
Emergency services were called to the fire on Ballarat Road, Footscray around 11.30pm on Wednesday night, following reports of explosions and fire.Emergency services were called to the fire on Ballarat Road, Footscray around 11.30pm on Wednesday night, following reports of explosions and fire.
Witnesses were unable to help the people inside.Witnesses were unable to help the people inside.
“When I was turning I heard some screaming but I was not sure who was screaming,” witness Muhammad told reporters at the scene.“When I was turning I heard some screaming but I was not sure who was screaming,” witness Muhammad told reporters at the scene.
“Then I saw the fire and I saw the front person was throwing water from the back but the fire was so large they couldn’t control it.”“Then I saw the fire and I saw the front person was throwing water from the back but the fire was so large they couldn’t control it.”
The bodies of three people, all of whom are yet to be identified, were found inside a room at the rear of the factory. Specialist arson investigators will attend the scene.The bodies of three people, all of whom are yet to be identified, were found inside a room at the rear of the factory. Specialist arson investigators will attend the scene.
Squatters had been occupying the building bordered by Kinnear Street and Ballarat Road for months, residents said.Squatters had been occupying the building bordered by Kinnear Street and Ballarat Road for months, residents said.
About 1,000 students and staff attend Footscray City College across the road from the factory.About 1,000 students and staff attend Footscray City College across the road from the factory.