The nation’s largest mall was partially evacuated after a car burst into flames during the pre-Christmas lunch-time rush at the Chadstone Shopping Centre in Melbourne’s south east.

Firefighters have managed to put out the fire, which began in the shopping centre’s carpark at 1.38pm.

“The shopping centre had been partially evacuated and crews at the moment are trying to ventilate the car park,” a Metropolitan Fire Brigade spokeswoman said.

“At the height of the incident 12 MFB appliances and two commander units were responding. More than 40 firefighters worked to bring the fire under control and it was called at 2.27pm.”

Victoria Police have deemed the fire was “accidental due to a vehicle fault”, also advising the eastern side of the complex is still open.

“Emergency services are responding to a car fire at a shopping centre on Dandenong Road, Chadstone,” a police spokeswoman said.

Photos from the scene show a car engulfed in flames in the multilevel carpark, close to other vehicles. The flames reached other cars.

While thick smoke billowed through the carpark, shoppers were stopped from leaving the complex, while no one else was allowed in.

source: theaustralian