A well-established West End shisha bar was severely damaged in what appears to be a deliberate attack at around 3:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 7. The incident occurred on Boundary Street when perpetrators used a stolen vehicle to ram the storefront before setting it ablaze.
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Truck rams into West End shisha bar
Security footage captured two individuals driving a stolen white Isuzu D-Max—previously reported stolen from Shorncliffe on 29 October—into the establishment multiple times. The suspects, described as wearing hooded garments, were then seen throwing what investigators believe to be a molotov cocktail into the vehicle before fleeing the scene in a white Ford sedan.
The Queensland Fire Department arrived promptly, containing the vehicle fire by 3:15 a.m. However, the business had already sustained significant damage from both the impact and subsequent fire. No injuries were reported as the premises were unoccupied at the time of the incident.
Local resident Arthur Early witnessed the incident and described the scene as reminiscent of a movie explosion. Another resident, who requested anonymity, reported hearing crashes before witnessing the business engulfed in flames.
Impact on local business owner
Sammy Ansabag, the establishment’s owner, expressed devastation over the attack. “I’ve been here 15 years, everyone loves me. I work hard,” Ansabag told 9News. He added that he has no knowledge of why his business might have been targeted.
Queensland Police have established a crime scene and are currently seeking two male suspects. One was wearing a beige hoodie with black track pants, while the other was dressed in all black.
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Authorities are urging West End residents who may have witnessed suspicious activity or have additional information to contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000.
Published 10-November-2024
