URGENT UPDATE: A 44-year-old man has been charged with arson after a fire he allegedly set at a Chapel Street dessert bar in Prahran led to the death of another arsonist. The incident occurred on January 15, 2025, and the man was arrested at his home in Fitzroy early Thursday morning.
Authorities confirm the fire resulted from the two men pouring accelerants inside the dessert bar, causing extensive damage to the premises and surrounding businesses. Eyewitnesses reported seeing one of the men engulfed in flames as they fled the scene in an orange Holden Commodore. This vehicle was later discovered abandoned on Birdwood Avenue in South Yarra.
Shortly after the fire, emergency services received reports of a 52-year-old St Albans man suffering severe burns. He remained hospitalized for five months before succumbing to his injuries on June 6, 2025. Police have charged the 44-year-old with multiple offenses, including arson causing death, criminal damage, reckless conduct endangering life, and theft of a motor vehicle.
In a significant development, investigators have released a composite image of another suspect believed to have been driving the Commodore during the incident. They are also seeking information about a silver Toyota RAV4, which was captured on CCTV making multiple passes by the dessert bar that night. Authorities are urging anyone with information or dashcam footage from the area to contact police.
This fire marks a troubling escalation of criminal activity, as police previously reported an unsuccessful fire attempt at the same dessert bar on December 6, 2024. The community is urged to remain vigilant as this investigation continues to unfold.
If you have any information, contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au. Your help could be crucial in bringing those responsible to justice.
