Passengers treated for smoke inhalation and a man is arrested at the scene in Moorooka in Brisbane’s south after attack that police say appears to be random

This article is more than 3 years old

This article is more than 3 years old

A young Brisbane bus driver is dead after being set on fire as he sat at the wheel in an attack that has left police, witnesses and workmates reeling.

The 29-year-old driver was killed after a passenger climbed aboard his bus, doused him in a flammable liquid and set him ablaze at a Moorooka bus stop on Friday.

The man’s death was likely to have been captured on cameras installed on Brisbane City Council buses.

A 48-year-old, described by police as “compliant”, was arrested at the scene and a murder investigation is underway.

The crime played out in full view of horrified onlookers and just four weeks after the state government finally announced a review aimed at halting escalating attacks on bus drivers.

Taxi driver Aguek Nyok, who kicked out the back door of the bus as it stood burning at the bus stop, is being hailed a hero for saving passengers, including children and their terrified mothers.

But there was nothing he could do to help the driver, who was hired by the council as a casual employeejust a few months ago.

Police Superintendent Jim Keogh says the attack appears random and without motive, and terrorism is not suspected.

“The fire was substantial, he [the driver] would have stood little chance,” he said.

“Words escape me. It’s a horrific incident.”

Queensland’s premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk, said this week had been one of tragedy for Queensland, with the attack coming just days after four people died on a ride at Dreamworld on the Gold Coast.

She said the horrific nature of the driver’s death was difficult to comprehend, and like the Dreamworld tragedy, there were witnesses who would need help to get over what they’d seen.

“I know that all the thoughts of Queenslanders are with this young man’s family,” she told reporters.

Flags at council buildings will be flown at half mast on Saturday as a mark of respect.

The taxi driver credited with saving terrified passengers has told of his confusion after coming across the blazing bus.

Nyok began kicking frantically at a back door when he heard people screaming to get out.

“I thought the driver would open the door for them but nah, I stood a few seconds and nothing was happening so I decided to do something about it,” he told the Nine Network.

“Everyone was shaking ... I was just holding the door until the last one got out.”

Witness Clair Savage said the cabbie was a hero.

“I just said to him ‘you just saved people’s lives’,” she said.

The passengers have been treated for smoke inhalation and shock and Supt Keogh said they were visibly traumatised.

Shock and anger has already started to emerge among other bus drivers, who’ve long bemoaned the lack of government action on driver safety.

Just four weeks ago, the Queensland government announced a wide-ranging review into bus driver safety, after sustained pressure from drivers and the Rail Tram and Bus Union.

In announcing the review, the transport minister, Stirling Hinchliffe, revealed there had been more than 350 assaults on bus drivers across the state in the previous six months.

Rail, Tram and Bus Union Queensland state secretary Tom Brown said the 29-year-old’s death was a terrible tragedy.

Brown said grief councillors would be available at bus depots including the main station in Sherwood.



“Many will be too upset to work,” Brown said. “The safety of our members remains our first priority.”

Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said the driver was a casual worker who had only been employed for a few months.

Quirk said flags would be flown half-mast at council buildings on Saturday as a sign of respect for the victim.

Council bus driver Craig Brown, who is still receiving counselling after being attacked on the job by an ice addict in November, said there should be nation-wide strike action.

“I believe the line has been drawn in the sand and it’s a point of no return,” he said in a Facebook post “Today has really shaken me up. It’s just rattled me to my core.”

Brown said council buses have duress alarms and CCTV for driver safety but were not fitted with screens or driver cages like in some other states.

