Bombs found outside Adelaide unit where man died after fire erupted, explosions broke out

Two bombs were discovered outside a unit in Adelaide’s north on Tuesday. A 74-year-old man was found dead in the same location after a fire broke out overnight.

The devices, which have not exploded, will be taken by the bomb squad. They will be detonated in a controlled explosion. The immediate area where the bombs were discovered has been evacuated. The deceased 74-year-old was discovered dead in his unit following a fire that erupted in the early morning hours of Tuesday.

Although the fire was doused within 20 minutes, the damage caused by the incident has been extensive. Several cars and units have been affected in the fire with the damage bill reaching almost $250,000. According to Detective Chief Inspector Shane Addison, the place “isn’t safe for us to proceed” with the investigation, which has been currently put on hold.

"We're unable to provide any information in relation to what the cause or circumstance of this death may be, until such time as that examination has been conducted,” he was quoted by the ABC as saying. He added the matter is being treated as an “unexplained death.”

The cause of the fire has not been determined yet. Fire scene investigators are working to figure out what caused the explosion, Elizabeth Local Service Area officer-in-charge Superintendent Graham Martin said. “An extensive search of the surrounding area is being undertaken and the cause of the fire is being treated as suspicious,” he said. “Relatives of the man who died have been advised.” Martin said the case could become a murder investigation.

Two explosions occurred in the Westwood Street area, rousing neighbours from their sleep. According to the Metropolitan Fire Service, the fire appeared to have started in a car. It subsequently spread to other units.

Aaron Christian, one of the witnesses of the incident, said the sound of the explosion woke him up. He described the incident as “pretty scary,” adding he had “never heard a sound like that.”

“As soon as I got out the front I immediately looked to my right and I could see the flames and a lot of smoke — it was clearly lighting up the sky,” he said. “I came back and told my wife what was going on. My first thought was the nearby service station going up but the fireys had arrived by then.”