A fire has ripped through a disused go-kart track in Mebourne’s west, causing significant damage.
It took 80 firefighters more than two hours to bring the blaze under control. The incident was brought the attention of firefighters at 7:30pm on Tuesday following several calls to emergency services.
The complex’s owner said that though over a million dollars in equipment had been lost, the damaged could have been much worse.
“Thank god all the very expensive stuff was out, still estimating over $1 million in mess, big day coming up,” he posted online.
It is believed that the complex had been closed since early April.
MEDIA RELEASE: More than 80 MFB & @CFA_Updates fireys battle fire at #Sunshine Fun City https://t.co/CWN8Lblxpb pic.twitter.com/D3OhBRwBp4
— MFB (@MFB_NEWS) May 2, 2017
Assistant chief fire officer Mick Swift told ABC News that firefighters used cherry-pickers to help douse the flames.
“Firefighters using aerial appliances got to work and after some time knocked the fire down through an aggressive attack,” he said.
The complex was located in a converted warehouse that was several stories high.
A relative of the owner told the Herald Sun that the incident has devastated the family.
“Darren (the owner) has been left stranded in Kilmore without petrol as this has happened and he’s going to be absolutely gutted,” she said.
“This is just awful luck and it’s happened to such a lovely man.”
In a statement released following the fire, the track’s owner thanked emergency services for their hard work.
“We send our thanks to all including the wonderful work of what looked to be around 100 firemen and women along with police, ambulance, and even the wonderful work of the Salvation Army,” they said.
“We ask that you all now to please give the family and staff members a chance to regroup and deal with this unfortunate event and mourn our loss of a loved family built business.”
The cause of the blaze is being investigated.
