Hundreds evacuated as stolen car bursts into flames at apartment complex in Merrylands, Sydney

Matt Shrivell
The Nightly
Stolen car erupts into flames after smashing into an apartment block.

Terrified occupants have been evacuated from an apartment complex after a stolen car burst into flames creating a worrying scenario for emergency services in Sydney’s south west.

At about 2.45am on Thursday, emergency services responded to reports of a vehicle fire next to a unit complex on Gladstone Street, Merrylands.

NSW Fire and Rescue were quickly on the scene and extinguished the fire.

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At the height of the incident, approximately 250 people were evacuated from the unit complex where they have since been allowed to return.

There were no reports of any injuries or damage to the unit complex.

Officers from Cumberland police area command have established a crime scene and commenced an investigation into the incident.

Initial inquiries have indicated that the vehicle – a Toyota Rav4 – was reported stolen from Moorebank last Sunday and the fire is being treated as suspicious.

Anyone who may have information about the matter—or was in the area at the time with any available dashcam or mobile phone footage—is urged to contact Granville Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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