The vehicle outside the Australian Christian Lobby headquarters in Canberra. Photo / LyleShelton / Twitter
The vehicle outside the Australian Christian Lobby headquarters in Canberra. Photo / LyleShelton / Twitter
A vehicle carrying gas bottles was driven into the headquarters of the Australian Christian Lobby in Canberra last night and set alight, causing an explosion.
Lobby managing director Lyle Shelton last night tweeted a photograph of the incident and said that no staff were injured.
"A vehicle has rammed ouroffice in Canberra & exploded all staff are safe," he posted.
"I do not know the condition of the driver. Prayers appreciated."
A man is believed to have driven the white van towards the Eternity House building about 10.45pm. The explosion destroyed the vehicle and blew out some of the windows of the office building.
The car was a smouldering wreck by the time emergency services arrived at the scene only to find the shell of the van remaining with tyres melted from wheels.
"Police contacted me and told me that someone has driven a white van into the carpark of our office and it has been loaded with gas cylinders and then it has been detonated," Shelton said.
Australian Capital Territory Police confirmed a vehicle was driven towards the front of the building and a police operation was under way.
"Investigations into a vehicle fire at the Australian Christian Lobby and no one was injured inside the building," the spokesman said.
"There are no public safety issues and ACT are seeking any witnesses to the incident."
A vehicle has rammed our office in Canberra & exploded. All staff are safe. I do not know the condition of the driver. Prayers appreciated. pic.twitter.com/R1cKOIfMTC
Shelton said he was relieved there were no staff in the building at the time and is flying back from holidays with his family in Queensland first thing in the morning to talk with ACT Police.
"We have had the normal trolls on social media and even had death threats sent to our Canberra office over the year but I am very concerned someone would do this," Shelton said.
"It is a relief the building was unoccupied at the time and we are all very thankful our staff are all safe.
"Obviously this is very unsettling to us but also to anyone in Australia, for this to happen in Canberra, our nation's capital is very disappointing.
"It is something I thought would never happen here, I can't believe it."
No arrests have been made but it is believed the alleged driver of the van is receiving medical attention.
