Teenager in critical condition after firebombing ignites two cars

By ASHLEY NICKEL, NEWS REPORTER, AUSTRALIA 08:25 05 Oct 2026, updated 08:31 05 Oct 2026

The owner of two cars torched by an alleged teenage arsonist has little sympathy after the boy was left with severe burns.

Emergency services rushed to the scene of the firebombing on Woolwich Way in Taylors Hill, north-west Melbourne, shortly after 5am on Monday.

Two cars parked in the driveway of a home had been set alight and a teenage boy had allegedly attempted to flee the scene but didn’t make it far due to severe injuries.

He was found inside a white Hyundai Tucson, which was reported stolen from a property in Hoppers Crossing on Sunday, with burns to his upper and lower body.

The car had been crashed into bushes just down the road from the firebombing.

He was rushed to Royal Children’s Hospital in a critical condition.

It’s believed two other people fled on foot before police arrived at the scene.

A woman who lived at the home told Nine News she had no sympathy for the alleged arsonist.

‘You know what? You want to do that to people, and try and get away with it? That’s what happens when you play with fire. You get burned,’ she said.

It’s understood police are treating the incident as a targeted attack. Residents claimed the stolen car was seen driving past the property several times.

Investigators will examine any possible links to organised crime.

‘Once again, we see the devastating consequences of arson and the dangers facing young people who become involved in organised crime,’ Detective Inspector Chris Murray said.

‘Young people are increasingly being targeted and exploited by organised crime groups to carry out high-risk criminal activity.

‘These groups often use teenagers because they believe they are less likely to attract attention or face the same consequences as adult offenders.

‘In reality, young offenders can be left carrying the full burden of the risks while those directing the criminal activity remain in the background.’

Inspector Murray urged young people to consider the risks of becoming involved with crime groups.

‘To young people considering getting involved in these crimes, I say, the risks are real, arson isn’t worth your life,’ he said.

‘Don’t risk being seriously injured, killed, or imprisoned carrying out attacks for organised crime figures who see you as disposable.’

As of Monday afternoon, no charges had been laid in relation to the firebombing.

Anyone with CCTV, dashcam footage or other information was urged to contact Crime Stoppers.

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