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By Asha Popatlal, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 15 February 2009 1915 hrs
Photos 1 of 1
Firefighters try to secure the containment line as bushfires continue to burn out of control
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SP Ausnet reportedly facing lawsuit over Australian bush fires
SINGAPORE : According to Australian media reports, Singapore majority-owned electricity firm SP Ausnet is facing a class action lawsuit from some survivors of the recent Australian bush fires.
They are alleging that a downed power line sparked one of the blazes.
The fire that spread last week through Kinglake, about 50 kilometres north of Melbourne, was one of the most ferocious - killing at least 100 people and destroying about a thousand homes.
"The Age" newspaper reported that police investigating the cause of the fires had apparently removed a length of fallen cable and a power pole as evidence.
However, Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Christine Nixon told Channel Nine Television that authorities are still trying to determine just how the Kinglake fire started.
SP Ausnet, which is 51 per cent owned by Singapore Power Limited, said in a statement that its priority was restoring power to fire-affected areas, and that it stood ready to assist relevant authorities with their inquiries, if necessary.
When contacted by Channel NewsAsia, Singapore Power, its parent company, declined to comment. - CNA/ms
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By Asha Popatlal, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 15 February 2009 1915 hrs
Photos 1 of 1
Firefighters try to secure the containment line as bushfires continue to burn out of control
Related News
• Australia remembers dead as wildfires continue to rage
• Report says Aussie wildfire survivors suing Singapore-owned power firm
Related Videos
SP Ausnet reportedly facing lawsuit over Australian bush fires
SINGAPORE : According to Australian media reports, Singapore majority-owned electricity firm SP Ausnet is facing a class action lawsuit from some survivors of the recent Australian bush fires.
They are alleging that a downed power line sparked one of the blazes.
The fire that spread last week through Kinglake, about 50 kilometres north of Melbourne, was one of the most ferocious - killing at least 100 people and destroying about a thousand homes.
"The Age" newspaper reported that police investigating the cause of the fires had apparently removed a length of fallen cable and a power pole as evidence.
However, Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Christine Nixon told Channel Nine Television that authorities are still trying to determine just how the Kinglake fire started.
SP Ausnet, which is 51 per cent owned by Singapore Power Limited, said in a statement that its priority was restoring power to fire-affected areas, and that it stood ready to assist relevant authorities with their inquiries, if necessary.
When contacted by Channel NewsAsia, Singapore Power, its parent company, declined to comment. - CNA/ms
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