Blaze rips through nightclub barge at Docklands

A blaze that ripped through Melbourne’s first nightclub barge early this morning is being treated as suspicious by authorities.

Passers-by on the Bolte Bridge spotted the blaze at the Atet club on North Wharf Road just after 4.30am and called emergency services.

A fire ripped through Melbourne’s floating nightclub at Docklands on Tuesday morning. Credit:Nine News

Firefighters were able to bring the blaze under control in six minutes, Fire Rescue Victoria said.

FRV commander Mitch Simons told 3AW the timing of the fire and other factors meant the authority had “deemed it suspicious”.

Police were also looking at CCTV footage in the area at the time of the fire, he said.

No one was onboard the boat at the time and police have yet to determine the cause of the blaze.

“The cause of the fire is yet to be determined at this stage and will be investigated,” police said in a statement.

An aerial view of the damage to the nightclub at Docklands on Tuesday. 31 January 2023Credit:Nine News

In November, Rafael Camillo, president of CBD community group Residents 3000, told The Age the location of the club was “a mistake” and there was poor communication with the public.

During the height of the blaze seven firefighting appliances were at the scene.

The club’s management has been contacted for comment.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Most Viewed in National

From our partners

Source: Read Full Article