A factory worker is still missing after an out-of-control fire ripped through a paint factory in Melbourne’s southeast.
More than 120 firefighters raced to the scene after the Dandenong South factory caught fire about 12pm on Friday.
Authorities battled to contain the wild blaze and managed to get the inferno under control by 9pm.
On Sunday morning, Victoria police confirmed arson and explosive squad detectives were investigating the fire.
Early investigations suggest a delivery of solvents and chemicals were being unloaded at the factory when a large explosion and fire engulfed the area.
Three men were in close proximity to the delivery, and as of Sunday, a 57-year-old remained unaccounted for.
“Police have been in constant contact with the family of the missing man and is providing support where needed,” Victoria police said.
The two other men were transported to hospital with “serious injuries”.
The cause of the fire is being investigated but police say at this stage the fire “does not appear to be suspicious”.
On Saturday, Fire Rescue Victoria described the factory as being “engulfed with flames”
The factory fire prompted the closure of Superior Dr and Hammond Rd on Friday as the blaze tore through the site, and authorities urged residents in the area to “immediately” seek shelter.
Social media users captured pictures and footage of thick plumes of smoke coming from the blaze.
“Explosions and fire in Dandenong South, behind Ultra Fine Foods … at 12:10pm. Hope everyone is OK,” user Gavin posted to X (formerly Twitter) earlier on Friday afternoon.
Another X user said vehicles had attempted to get the fire under control but it appeared to have spread to other buildings in the vicinity.
Dramatic footage, uploaded by 3AW, captured some of the flames spilling over the building as one driver nervously stopped to film the shocking scenes.
A watch and act alert was earlier issued by Fire Rescue Victoria for the suburbs of Bangholme, Dandenong South and Lyndhurst.
“The fire is not under control. Strong winds are blowing smoke to the south of the fire,” the alert stated on Friday afternoon.
“Anyone located in the industrial estate in Dandenong South surrounding the Hammond Rd area should take shelter indoors immediately.”
The alert urged anyone in the area to close exterior doors, windows and vents and ensure heating and cooling systems are turned off.