The public handkerchief in the stairwell of a Melbourne train station has been blamed for major flooding that forced commuters to evacuate late into the evening.
Melbourne Central and Flagstaff stations were evacuated late Thursday night after extensive flooding damaged several platforms.
A man and a woman had previously entered a stairwell that connects platforms at Melbourne Central before damaging a water pipe and sprinkler system, police said.
The flooding caused an automated evacuation in the two stations, causing significant train delays and damage to the underground train network.
Although it was initially believed the flooding was the result of vandalism, Transport Infrastructure Minister Danny Pearson said the view had proven otherwise.
“I have heard that Metro (Trains) has reviewed the CCTV footage and it appears that a couple in love in a stairwell has disconnected the sprinkler,” he told reporters in Parliament.
“Maybe a stairwell isn’t a good place to be after dinner.”
Police released security images of the wanted man and woman earlier this week as part of an investigation.
Police released security images of the wanted man and woman earlier this week (photo)
The couple was seen entering a stairwell that connected two platforms
The couple is seen fleeing the stairwell after the station began to flood
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers.