Adelaide is witnessing a troubling surge in arson incidents targeting local businesses, with the latest attack occurring in Torrensville.
This recent incident involved a gang launching a firebomb assault on a business while it was still operational.
During the chaos, an employee sustained burns, and one of the suspected arsonists was also engulfed in flames.
CCTV footage captured the intense moment, revealing the alleged perpetrators’ chaotic retreat.
In the video, an unsuspecting individual is seen approaching the entrance just as the attack takes place.
The footage shows him recoiling in shock as masked assailants flee the scene, with one visibly injured by the fire.
Two innocent workers were caught up in the terrifying attack, believed to be linked to Adelaide’s ongoing tobacco wars.
Staff inside Saray – a Mediterranean supermarket, butcher and restaurant – were ambushed, with its owner telling 9News they had accelerant poured over them and were set alight.
“There’s just people screaming, running everywhere, next minute the fierys and everyone’s here,” one witness said.
Security cameras captured the alleged attackers arriving in a black Lexus.
Nearby workers chased after them as they fled down Henley Beach Road, smashing into another innocent motorist as they made their escape.
Police say three men of Asian appearance entered the store and started a fire, possibly using a Molotov cocktail.
The attack happened at about 11.30am during the busy Saturday rush, with several people inside.
Part of Henley Beach Road was shut down as police swarmed the area and paramedics treated a 26-year-old worker for burns to his legs and arms.
He was loaded into an ambulance and taken to the Royal Adelaide Hospital.
Detectives from Operation Eclipse, who are investigating Adelaide’s tobacco wars, were immediately on scene as it’s made clear it was a targeted attack.
A burnt boot was left behind, belonging to one of the alleged attackers who fled.
An hour after the attack a man with serious burns was found at home in Angle Park.
He tried to tell ambulance crews he had burns from a BBQ but police believe he was involved.
And as they hunt for the other two attackers, Saray is counting the cost of another fire bombing attack – it’s the third in the past 16 months.
