27 November 2023

Arson unit detectives appeal for information into suspicious service station fire

| Shri Gayathirie Rajen
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destroyed service station

Investigators examined the site of the Mobil petrol station in Coolac that was destroyed by a fire and believe it was deliberately lit. Photo: NSW Police.

Arson unit detectives are appealing for information into a suspicious fire that destroyed a service station near Gundagai.

Police said emergency services were called to the Mobil petrol station in Coolac following reports of a fire at about 10 pm on 5 September.

More than 30 firefighters from NSW RFS and Fire and Rescue across the Riverina were at the scene to contain the blaze before it reached the fuel bowsers.

NSW Police, NSW Ambulance and Essential Energy also attended while Cootamundra Gundagai Regional Council provided bulk water.

Despite the efforts of the firefighters, the property was extensively damaged. There were no reports of injuries.

Officers attached to Riverina Police District established a crime scene and commenced inquiries before State Crime Command’s Financial Crimes Squad Arson Unit took carriage of the investigation under Strike Force Dosed.

Initial inquiries by strike force detectives suggest the fire was deliberately lit, and as part of ongoing inquiries, investigators carried out further examination of the scene last week.

As inquiries continue, police are appealing to speak with anyone who may have information about the incident, including a man who was seen walking into the service station minutes before the fire began.

It’s believed the man was travelling in a white Toyota Prado.

Detectives are also appealing to speak to any truck drivers who may have been staying the night at the service station.

Investigations under Strike Force Dosed will continue.

Anyone with information that may assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

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