A single mother from Mandurah spent 17 days in a burns unit after a firebombing attack that destroyed her garage and left her with severe injuries. Penelope Travers, a mother of two, suffered burns to 25 per cent of her body and required extensive surgery, including skin grafts and blood transfusions.
Speaking about the attack on October 6, Ms Travers described the moment her garage exploded at 4.30am. 'It felt like being fried, flesh fried, instant, quick, just burn,' she said. Police now believe the attack was targeted, with a firebomb thrown at her car that bounced off and ignited the garage.
While Ms Travers was recovering in hospital, the attackers returned and set her ute on fire while her 16-year-old daughter was home alone. 'This brought something traumatic to my doorstep and I couldn’t protect my children from seeing this or dealing with this,' Ms Travers said.
WA Police confirmed that Mandurah detectives are investigating two vehicle fires at the property, both treated as suspicious. Ms Travers, originally from New Zealand, has launched an online fundraiser to support her recovery, noting that limited financial support is available to her as a non-citizen.
Police urge anyone with information, including CCTV, mobile phone, or dashcam footage, to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via www.crimestopperswa.com.au.
