Two more children have died following a suspicious house fire in Toowoomba, west of Brisbane. Their mother remains in critical condition in hospital and is under police guard.
Emergency crews responded to the fire on Merritt Street in Harristown around 12:30am on Wednesday, arriving to find the home fully ablaze. Seven individuals were inside at the time, with six initially making it out.
A body, believed to be that of a nine-year-old boy, was later found inside the house.
The children’s mother, a 36-year-old woman, and her daughters, aged four and seven, were rushed to the hospital with critical injuries. Both girls have since passed away.
Detective Superintendent George Marchesini expressed condolences on behalf of the Queensland Police Service to those affected by the tragedy.
Three other individuals — a 34-year-old man, an 18-year-old man, and an 11-year-old boy — have been released from hospital.
The woman remains in a critical condition at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital and is under police watch. “We have not been able to speak with her yet,” said Marchesini, adding that investigators are coordinating with the hospital to arrange an interview, depending on her condition.
Authorities are treating the fire as suspicious.
Marchesini noted that the 18- and 34-year-old men had helped rescue the children, and that the 36-year-old woman was found near the front of the property after escaping.
Detectives from the Darling Downs region, the homicide unit, and specialist teams are involved in the investigation. They are reviewing any prior interactions between the family and police.
He commended first responders for their efforts in what he described as an extremely distressing scene.
“It’s something no one should witness. Even though we are trained for such events, it has deeply affected everyone involved,” Marchesini said.
Premier David Crisafulli called the incident “devastating” and confirmed support was being provided to the local community.
