Dramatic CCTV footage has captured the moment a thief accidentally set himself ablaze during a botched robbery in New South Wales. The incident, which unfolded in the early hours of last Tuesday, saw two men ransack a store on the New England Highway in Thornton, located within the Hunter Valley region.
Chaotic Scene Unfolds in Car Park
At approximately 1.05am, the two suspects, clad in dark clothing and wearing balaclavas to conceal their identities, were filmed walking through an empty car park adjacent to the targeted premises. Suddenly, without warning, a large ball of fire erupted on the footpath directly beside them.
One of the men was instantly engulfed in flames. The footage shows him frantically attempting to pat down his body in a desperate bid to extinguish the fire before sprinting away from the scene. His accomplice watched the chaotic event unfold before both individuals hastily fled the area in a light-coloured sedan.
Emergency Services Respond
Fire and Rescue NSW crews were promptly dispatched to the location and arrived to find the blaze still active. Firefighters worked quickly to fully extinguish the fire, preventing any further damage or risk to the surrounding property. Despite the dramatic and dangerous turn of events, the pair managed to escape with a cash register stolen from the store.
Police Investigation Underway
Local authorities have now launched a full investigation into the robbery and the subsequent fiery accident. Police are actively appealing to the public for any information that could assist in identifying the two men involved. Investigators strongly believe that the individual who caught fire would have sustained significant burn injuries, which may aid in their identification or medical treatment records.
This bizarre and hazardous incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable dangers associated with criminal activities. The CCTV footage has provided crucial evidence as police continue their search for the suspects responsible for this audacious and poorly executed robbery.
