A routine stop for a Geelong tradie turned into a scene of dramatic devastation on Tuesday afternoon when his ute became engulfed in a ferocious fireball at a Torquay service station.
The terrifying incident unfolded at the Smiths service station on the Surf Coast Highway just after 4:30 PM, sending thick, black plumes of smoke high into the sky that were visible for miles around.
Emergency services, including multiple Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) and Country Fire Authority (CFA) units, raced to the scene following a flood of frantic triple-zero calls from horrified witnesses.
A Fierce and Fast-Moving Blaze
Footage from the scene captures the sheer intensity of the fire, with flames completely consuming the white Toyota Hilux, melting its bodywork and blistering the paint on nearby structures. Firefighters faced a challenging battle, not only against the burning vehicle but also against the ever-present risk of the flames spreading to the station's fuel bowsers.
"Crews worked swiftly and professionally to contain the fire and protect the surrounding infrastructure, including the fuel storage facilities," an FRV spokesperson stated. Their efforts ensured what could have been a catastrophic event was brought under control.
Miraculous Escape Amidst the Chaos
In a remarkable stroke of luck, the driver of the ute managed to escape the inferno unscathed. Paramedics from Ambulance Victoria assessed the individual at the scene, but miraculously, no injuries were reported despite the severity of the blaze.
The cause of the fire remains unknown and is now the subject of an official investigation. Fire investigators were later seen scouring the charred remains of the vehicle for clues.
The incident caused significant disruption during the evening commute, with traffic delays in the area as emergency crews secured the site. The service station was temporarily closed while the cleanup operation began.
