Update on burn victims
The Alfred reports that there have been no changes to the conditions of the six patients who suffered serious burns, including the alleged attacker.
Concerns are gravest for the two in critical conditions, although one is stable.
Another is in a serious but stable condition, while the remaining three are stable.
It's been a terrible day for Springvale. That concludes our live coverage of the disturbing fire.
Here is a full account of the day's events.
Traffic returning to normal
Springvale Road is back open in both directions.
Buses heading south along Springvale Road are currently delayed by about 15 minutes, according to Public Transport Victoria.
Road back open
Springvale Road is back open heading south, says our reporter on the scene, Tom Cowie.
It is still closed going north.
Meanwhile, workers are boarding up the front entrance of the damaged Commonwealth Bank branch.
The moment everything changed on Springvale Rd
Thai Le was preparing Hokkien Mee in his restaurant on Friday when he saw the smoke.
"I ran straight across the road, telling all the cars to stop," he said.
About 40 metres way, just across the main strip of Springvale, a man has walked into a Commonwealth Bank branch, poured petrol everywhere and the place has gone up in flames. Read more of Le and other eyewitness accounts here.
What we know
It has be seven hours since a man set himself and at least five others on fire at a Commonwealth Bank in Springvale. This is an updated summary of what we know so far.
Back to topPanic and pain
There were scenes of utter chaos and devastation in Springvale on Friday, after a man doused his body in accelerant and set himself on fire in a crowded bank just before lunchtime, sparking an explosion that injured dozens. Read our full report with the latest details here.
Police seize CCTV
It has been reported that CCTV footage from a local cafe is being looked at by police.
The footage shows a man picking up a large white plastic container from outside Springvale's Asmara cafe and taking it to a nearby service station.
The footage then shows him returning at 11.22am, moments before the fire, and walking past the cafe in the direction of the bank. The container is filled with liquid.
Photo: Supplied
Money complaints
One witness told Channel Seven that the man who lit the fire had been complaining about money moments before the attack.
Commonwealth Bank CEO's statement
Commonwealth Bank Chief Executive Officer Ian Narev made these comments on the incident at Springvale:
"We are deeply concerned about the incident today at our branch in Springvale. Our absolute priority is the welfare of our customers and staff who were in the branch at the time. We have teams assisting our people and a customer liaison officer available for affected customers, and will keep them engaged as long as is necessary. We thank the emergency authorities for their quick response and actions."
Two patients still critical
A spokesman for The Alfred hospital confirmed it was caring for six patients with burns. He said:
- One patient is in a 'critical' condition
- One is in a 'critical but stable' condition
- One sustained moderate burns and is in a 'serious but stable' condition
- The three remaining patients are listed as 'stable'
Back to top
Witnesses rushed to help victims
Community rallies to help
People carried buckets and Eskies full of water to help the victims of the Springvale bank fire. Photo: Facebook/Sophie Mach
Emotional scenes outside bank
A woman named Sophie Mach filmed the aftermath of the fire and posted the emotional footage to Facebook.
It shows an injured woman cradling her son, as they are comforted by friends.
CCTV footage shows man walking to servo with container
A man has been filmed on a local cafe's CCTV footage picking up a large container from outside the Asmara cafe and taking it to a nearby service station.
The footage then shows him returning at 11.22am, moments before the fire, and walking past the cafe in the direction of the bank.
A short time later an explosion is heard.
Photo: supplied
This is video of the man who was photographed in a lane at the back of the bank after the fire. He was seen being spoken to by police before being taken away to be treated by paramedics.
Posted by Tram Tay on Thursday, November 17, 2016
Commonwealth Bank staff among those taken to hospital
A patient who had been waiting at the emergency department of Monash Medical Centre since 11.40am said he saw about four or five people wearing Commonwealth Bank uniforms being admitted to the hospital after the disaster.
He said he did not get a good look at them but that they were able to walk from the ambulance bay into the emergency department.
Explosion or fire?
Dandenong CFA operations officer Paul Carrigg said there had been an explosion because of the way the fire was started.
"There's been apparently a flammable liquid used, I'm not sure what the flammable liquid was," he said at the scene.
Was there evidence of an explosion? "Absolutely"
"A lot of flammable liquids will cause explosions".
Three children among hospital patients
A spokesperson for Monash Medical Centre said the Clayton hospital was caring for 13 patients, including three children. All are in a "satisfactory condition".
She said Dandenong Hospital was caring for 11 adults, including two who have been admitted to a ward for further treatment. The remaining nine are being observed in the emergency department.
The Monash Health hospital network called a "Code Brown" to respond swiftly to the fire. The code, which is called for any external disaster, usually involves the hospital discharging patients who are ready to go home so the emergency departments can send patients to wards, and make space for incoming patients.
"Our Code Brown response was put into action and incident command centres were established at both Clayton and Dandenong," she said.
Damage done
A damaged ATM at the front of the bank. Photo: Michael Dodge
Photo: Michael Dodge
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