Police are investigating a critical incident in which a man suffered serious burns after a police chase ended in Perth’s south eastern suburbs on Wednesday.
It is understood emergency services including firefighters and paramedics were called to a busy stretch of Railway Avenue near Camillo Road in Gosnells about 3pm following reports a car had erupted in flames following a police chase.
A police spokeswoman said officers attempted to stop a maroon Holden Commodore sedan in Gosnells about 2.40pm before the chase was terminated over safety reasons.
“The vehicle was located again a short time later with police following the vehicle when it became bogged on the verge of Railway Avenue and Camillo Road in Gosnells,” she said.
The West Australian has seen footage of officers attempting to speak with the driver of a maroon car on the median strip of Railway Avenue before the driver was observed by police dousing the car in accelerant.
Camera IconRailway Avenue car fire. Credit: Gary Ramage
“Police negotiated with the man, and the man exited the vehicle. The vehicle then caught alight.”
Officers bravely pulled the man away from the burning car before providing immediate first aid after he suffered life-threatening burns in the incident.
St John WA said a man in his 30s was taken to Fiona Stanley Hospital after being treated at the scene.
The WA Police Union, in a post on social media, described the ordeal within the Armadale District as a “critical incident”.
Camera IconAn aerial photo of the firey crash. Credit: 7NEWS
“WAPU is assisting the involved members in a critical incident, they said.
“A WAPU Director and/or Field Officer is responding, and the involved are receiving full legal and welfare support throughout the process.”
Lifeline: 13 11 14