Suspicious fire razes home and claims children's lives. What happened?
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Homes are supposedly everyone's haven from the outside world.
However, several home-related incidents may also change people's lives in an unprecedented way.
A devastating house fire recently left a local community reeling, with three young lives lost and a family forever changed.
In the early hours of Wednesday morning, a blaze tore through a family home on Merritt Street in Harristown, Toowoomba.
The fire broke out around 12:30 am and quickly engulfed the house and sent neighbours rushing to help.
The locals managed to smash the home's windows in an attempt to rescue residents trapped inside the house.
Yet, despite their efforts, the fire claimed the life of a nine-year-old boy.
Recent reports also stated that two girls, aged four and seven, also died after succumbing to injuries.
Six people managed to escape the inferno but have suffered serious injuries.
Ellouisa Brighton Gibson, 36, and her partner Justin, 34, were among those rushed to hospital.
Ellouisa is in critical condition at the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital under police guard, while Justin has been recovering from serious injuries.
An 18-year-old boy was treated for a hand injury and has been discharged.
Miraculously, an 11-year-old boy escaped the fire unscathed.
The family's dog also survived and is being cared for by a neighbour.
Neighbour Will Cuffe recounted his experience amid the blazing fire.
'We heard the smoke alarms, then saw the smoke and flames,' Mr Cuffe shared.
'After we saw the smoke, it took about three minutes, and the house just went up in flames.'
'The mother was holding the kids and taking them to the ambulance. Two of the young kids were walking, but they were really badly burnt,' he recalled.
Queensland Fire and Rescue Service station manager Neil Goodman said crews arrived to find a 'wall of flame and heavy smoke'.
'We're all fathers, we've all got children, so it's always hard, it's a little bit harder when it's sort of similar to your own situation,' Mr Goodman said.
It took four fire crews about 30 minutes to extinguish the blaze.
Queensland Police stated that they are treating the fire as suspicious.
Homicide detectives have been called in for investigation, and the home remains a crime scene.
'This is a tragic event, and we are deeply saddened by this incident,' Detective Inspector Renee Garske said.
Investigators, including Inspector Garske, have not ruled out the possibility of domestic violence playing a role.
Events like this should be a reminder of the importance of community support and the need for accessible help in times of crisis.
While the cause of this fire is still under investigation, it's a timely reminder to review fire safety measures at home:
Our thoughts are with the affected family at this difficult time.
For any related information about the incident, call Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000.
However, several home-related incidents may also change people's lives in an unprecedented way.
A devastating house fire recently left a local community reeling, with three young lives lost and a family forever changed.
In the early hours of Wednesday morning, a blaze tore through a family home on Merritt Street in Harristown, Toowoomba.
The fire broke out around 12:30 am and quickly engulfed the house and sent neighbours rushing to help.
The locals managed to smash the home's windows in an attempt to rescue residents trapped inside the house.
Yet, despite their efforts, the fire claimed the life of a nine-year-old boy.
The fire took the family's home and several lives. Image Credit: AAP Image
Recent reports also stated that two girls, aged four and seven, also died after succumbing to injuries.
Six people managed to escape the inferno but have suffered serious injuries.
Ellouisa Brighton Gibson, 36, and her partner Justin, 34, were among those rushed to hospital.
Ellouisa is in critical condition at the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital under police guard, while Justin has been recovering from serious injuries.
An 18-year-old boy was treated for a hand injury and has been discharged.
Miraculously, an 11-year-old boy escaped the fire unscathed.
The family's dog also survived and is being cared for by a neighbour.
Neighbour Will Cuffe recounted his experience amid the blazing fire.
'We heard the smoke alarms, then saw the smoke and flames,' Mr Cuffe shared.
'After we saw the smoke, it took about three minutes, and the house just went up in flames.'
'The mother was holding the kids and taking them to the ambulance. Two of the young kids were walking, but they were really badly burnt,' he recalled.
Queensland Fire and Rescue Service station manager Neil Goodman said crews arrived to find a 'wall of flame and heavy smoke'.
'We're all fathers, we've all got children, so it's always hard, it's a little bit harder when it's sort of similar to your own situation,' Mr Goodman said.
It took four fire crews about 30 minutes to extinguish the blaze.
Queensland Police stated that they are treating the fire as suspicious.
Homicide detectives have been called in for investigation, and the home remains a crime scene.
'This is a tragic event, and we are deeply saddened by this incident,' Detective Inspector Renee Garske said.
Investigators, including Inspector Garske, have not ruled out the possibility of domestic violence playing a role.
Events like this should be a reminder of the importance of community support and the need for accessible help in times of crisis.
While the cause of this fire is still under investigation, it's a timely reminder to review fire safety measures at home:
- Check your smoke alarms: Make sure they are working and test them regularly.
- Have an escape plan: Ensure everyone in your household knows what to do in case of fire.
- Keep exits clear: Don't block doors or windows that could be used as escape routes.
- Be cautious with heaters, candles, and electrical appliances: Never leave them unattended.
For any related information about the incident, call Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000.
