'Amorous couple' blamed for flooding that shut down two major Melbourne stations

A couple from Australia’s Melbourne is facing the heat for causing floods in the city’s rail loop when they were identified in CCTV footage last week. The pair, being called an “amorous couple in a stairwell” was all over the Australian media, at the same time when Olivia Rodrigo was in the city for her concert.

Two stations, heavily packed with commuters, had to be evacuated, which caused significant delays for people travelling from the Olivia Rodrigo concert. Melbourne Central and Flagstaff stations had to be evacuated late on Thursday evening, causing delays across the metropolitan rail network.

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Initially, it was believed the incident was actually an act of vandalism, said Victorian Transport Infrastructure Minister, Danny Pearson. Later on, after carefully examining the CCTV, it appears that “an amorous couple in a stairwell dislodged a sprinkler,” Pearson told reporters outside parliament on Wednesday.

“There was extensive flooding. Metro will be investigating these matters further and police are investigating.”

“Perhaps a stairwell may not be an appropriate place to find yourself in after dinner.”

Police on Tuesday released the images of the couple - a man and a woman, who they said may be able to assist with their investigation into the incident, which the police term as offence of “criminal damage.”

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The duo had gained access to a stairwell connecting platforms at Melbourne Central train station at about 10:40 pm local time, and damaged a water pipe and fire sprinkler, as per the police.

Victoria Police said the offenders had fled the scene after the extensive flooding.

"The delays affected big crowds trying to get home from the Olivia Rodrigo concert at Rod Laver Arena," police said.

"At this stage, it is unclear if Miss Rodrigo planned to get home via train or limousine,"they said at the time.

Investigations into the incident continue.

(With inputs from agencies)