newy.com.au – Police believe a motorhome fire that left a 69 year old man critically injured at Wallsend was a targeted arson incident.
Emergency services were called to Fogo Street shortly before 6am on Thursday, 29 October 2026, and found the motorhome burning. The vehicle was parked on the street.
Police said they had been told a member of the public helped rescue the man from the vehicle. NSW Ambulance paramedics treated him for burns before taking him to hospital, where he was reported to be in a critical condition.
Fire and Rescue NSW extinguished the blaze, but the motorhome was destroyed.
Police have established Strike Force Bahl to investigate. Newcastle City Police District crime scene officers are being assisted by specialist fire investigators to determine the cause.
Acting Newcastle City Police District commander Detective Acting Superintendent Steve Benson said the inquiry was in its early stages, but evidence gathered at the scene led detectives to believe the vehicle had been targeted.
He said there was no direct or ongoing threat to the community and acknowledged the member of the public who helped rescue the man.
“I also want to recognise the efforts of that member of the public who assisted the injured man from the burning van, despite the risk to their own personal safety,” he said.
Investigators are appealing for witnesses and anyone with information, including dashcam, mobile or CCTV footage, to contact Newcastle Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Information can also be submitted through the Crime Stoppers website and is managed confidentially.
