Bankstown - Thai restaurant destroyed
Published: 30th March 2010
On Tuesday 30th March at 3.31am fire crews were confronted with a four wheel drive vehicle that had apparently been driven through the front of a Thai restaurant on South Terrace at Bankstown. After receiving numerous Triple Zero calls, Bankstown fire crew were on scene in just over seven minutes. Whilst enroute they reported large volumes of smoke issuing and immediately requested assistance. Crews from Bankstown, Revesby, Riverwood, Lakemba, Chester Hill, Parramatta, Lidcombe and Campsie worked for over an hour to bring the fire under control. Two people living above the restaurant in the two levelled building were able to safely escape and firefighters evacuated the adjoining hotel. There were fears that internal floors would collapse so after conducting full searches of all areas, an external attack was deployed. Two people were transported to hospital suffering from smoke inhalation and the building and contents were destroyed by the fire. Given the suspicious nature and the use of accelerants, attending crews did an excellent job in protecting several adjoining structures including the Oasis Hotel. Police are still conducting on-going investigations.