Search for hero tradies after Vic firebomb

People who were trapped in a burning Melbourne bank want to thank two anonymous tradies who opened a back door to let them out.

Emergency service workers

A man charged over last year's terrifying fire at a suburban Melbourne bank has appeared in court. (AAP)

Two tradies who rushed into a burning Melbourne bank to save people stuck inside are being urged to come forward so they can be thanked.

Paramedics treated 27 people after a man walked into a Commonwealth Bank branch in Springvale carrying a container of accelerant and set himself alight on Friday a week ago.

Three victims are still in hospital, one in a critical condition and the other two stable.

The 21-year-old man accused of starting the fire, named in media reports as Nur or Noor Islam, is also in a critical condition.

Detective Inspector Michael Roberts, from the Arson and Explosives Squad, said two tradesmen went into the burning building and opened the back door to let people out.

"Their actions are nothing short of heroic and that's exactly why we want to speak to them," Det Insp Roberts told reporters on Friday.

"We want to acknowledge the heroic actions and so do the people who were there at a time.

"They want to know who these people are and be able to say thankyou to them."

Det Insp Roberts said the people inside the bank couldn't open the back door, so the two tradesmen's actions saved the lives of at least the 10 people they let out.

Police have released CCTV footage of the men they want to speak to.

Det Insp Roberts said police had still not spoken to their main suspect, who is still under police guard in hospital.

It's reported the man's rage had to do with a welfare payment.

The bank has since opened a pop-up branch made of shipping containers in a nearby car park, while repair works are completed.

Commonwealth Bank executive Matt Comyn said the 15 employees working at the branch at the time have all been released from hospital.

"We have made professional counselling assistance available to all 15 employees and we continue to remain in close contact with them," he said.

Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467.

MensLine Australia 1300 78 99 78.

Multicultural Mental Health Australia www.mmha.org.au.


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Source: AAP



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