Earlier this week, Melbourne’s City Loop went into lockdown.
Reports of a gunman sent the city’s train network into panic mode. Trains were halted, and the incident left terrified passengers fearing for their lives. Some, in tears, even called loved ones to tell them they loved them.
But what caused this chaotic Thursday morning? Was there an armed person on the train? No. A Melbourne busker who goes by the name Will Austin was on a trip from the country town of Daylesford 108km/s north-west of Melbourne. Sporting his beloved didgeridoo, the instrumentalist was performing breathing exercises, when the train came to a halt at Flagstaff Station.
He noticed other passengers being ushered off the vehicle onto the platform. He, too, left the train, as heavily armed police chased him onto Williams Street. They requested he show them the contents of his bag. After this, officers explained to the performer he was searched because of the duffel bag holding his equipment.
In a Facebook post, the musician said, “When you get swarmed by police at flagstaff station after reports of a gunman, looking suspicious on a mission and carrying a Yidaki [original term for a didgeridoo] and a bag full of artefacts,”
He then continues to confirm the innocence of his behaviour on the train, “I’m not carrying no [sic] rifle or ammunition fellas.”
Victorian Premier Dan Andrews has commended the Victorian Police’s Critical Incident Response Team’s efforts. “The speed and professionalism of officers on the scene are exactly what we’ve come to expect from hardworking police,” the Victorian politician tweeted.
Thanks @VictoriaPolice for their response at Flagstaff this morning following reports of a firearm at the station. Thankfully it was a false alarm – but the speed and professionalism of officers on the scene are exactly what we’ve come to expect from our hardworking police.
— Dan Andrews (@DanielAndrewsMP) March 27, 2019
As if all the chaos and commotion prior to this wasn’t enough, staff of train operator Metro allegedly made public announcements referring to a “firearm.”
A spokesperson for Metro has confirmed they are investigating this matter. “Announcements made during a police request at Flagstaff Station are being investigated, and Metro apologises for the distress caused to passengers.”
