SYDNEY (AP) – Australian police say a van carrying gas cylinders exploded after crashing into the headquarters of a Christian lobbying group in Canberra (KAN’-bur-ah).
The driver, a 35-year-old Australian man, was the only person injured in Wednesday night’s explosion, which seriously damaged the van and blew out windows in the two-story building.
Australian Capital Territory police said the driver ignited several gas cylinders that were inside the van, causing the explosion. He then walked to a hospital, where he was in critical condition with serious burns.
Police said that after speaking with the driver they had ruled out any political or religious motive.
But the head of the Australian Christian Lobby said his group has received anonymous threats over the past year because of its opposition to gay marriage and equality for transgender students.
