Smash repair shop next to Melbourne bikie clubhouse destroyed in fire
A fire destroyed a repair shop next to a cycling club building in Melbourne.
The auto shop went up in flames early Monday, the fire causing so much damage that firefighters were unable to get inside the building.
In Heidelberg West, in Melbourne’s northeast, the mechanic’s shop is next door to a clubhouse belonging to the Iron Horsemen outlaw motorcycle club.
The fire was reported around 02:00 on Monday.
A Fire Rescue Victoria spokesman said the building was too dangerous for firefighters to enter as 34 firefighters tried to control the blaze.
“The cause of the fire is considered suspicious and will be investigated by Victoria.”
Police,” the spokesman said.
Following the notice received at 02.07, fire crews took the fire under control at 03.54.
Images from the scene show that the shop has become unusable and the vehicles have been destroyed.
A burned-out sedan is parked just outside the front door, and three windows at the front of the business were shattered.
The building’s roof partially collapsed and sunlight leaked through the roof Monday morning.
In the middle of the blackened carnage, another vehicle was parked just inside the garage door, which was also destroyed. The tires of the vehicle were melted and the make and model could not be identified when viewed from the path.
At least four more car shells lie burned behind the store.
Viewed from behind police tape, the Iron Horseman sign on the side stands in stark contrast to the melted La Trobe Collision Centre.
As of 9:30 Monday morning, police had not yet released a statement.
