Crime scene after ‘explosion’ at vape shop

Crews from the Leopold Country Fire Authority were forced to smash their way into Vape X, near the corner of the Bellarine Hwy and Melaluka Rd, following reports of an explosion.

A CFA spokeswoman confirmed firefighters gained entry to the shop at about 5.30am on Tuesday and that the scene was declared safe at about 5.45am.

Victoria Police spokeswoman Jody Clayton confirmed the incident was being treated as suspicious.

Authorities have not yet confirmed the source of the explosion.

“There was nobody inside at the time and no one was injured,” Ms Clayton said.

The exact circumstances surrounding the fire are yet to be determined however it is being treated as suspicious at this stage.”

As of 9am Tuesday firefighters had left the scene, but police had taped off the entrance to the store and were investigating the scene.

An employee of a nearby business, who did not wish to be named, said when she had arrived for work at around 5.40am emergency services were already on scene.

“They were all congregating out the front,” she said.

Later, the employee said she was informed that the incident was “a robbery gone wrong”.

A “couple of people” had gone into the vape shop and “accidentally lit a fire” the employee said she was told.

Last month, a man was rushed to hospital after his vape pen exploded in Breakwater.

At the time, a Fire Rescue Victoria spokesman said crews arrived to find the man involved in a small fire caused by a “disposable battery powered device”.

The man suffered burns to his hand and lower body and was taken in a stable condition to Geelong hospital.

In February 2021, Western Australia’s Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety released a report after an vape pen spontaneously ignited in a worker’s pocket, leaving the man with severe burns to his leg.

Anyone with information or dashcam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au