Detective Acting Inspector Adam Henry from the arson and explosives squad reported a tragic incident in which a mother and three children were involved in a house fire. The arson chemists are still investigating the cause of the blaze, believed to have started inside the rear of the house. The children were found at the front of the home, and first responders, particularly firefighters, worked swiftly to rescue them. The mother, who was with her children at the hospital, is understandably distressed, and police plan to speak with her again. It is too early to determine if the fire is suspicious or if there was anyone else at home with the children at the time.
Neighbours reported hearing loud explosions, causing one woman’s home several houses down to shake. They were unaware that anyone lived in the house, which had been sold recently. Emergency services were called when the fire broke out, and attempts to locate anyone inside were unsuccessful until firefighters found a child beside a fence and performed CPR. The explosion and contained flame at the back of the house were alarming to witnesses, who feared someone might be trapped. The investigation by arson squad detectives and an arson chemist focused on the rear courtyard area and a switchboard on the side of the house. The possibility of suspicious activity has not been ruled out by police.
Fire Rescue Victoria responded to the fully engulfed brick home within six minutes, where crews wore breathing apparatus to tackle the blaze and rescue the children. It took 30 firefighters and several appliances several hours to extinguish the fire. The power and gas companies were called to the scene, and police interviewed neighbours and collected CCTV footage. A dog was rescued from the home, and a child’s seat was also removed. Ambulance Victoria reported that advanced life support and mobile intensive care paramedics were present at the scene to attend to any injuries.
Detectives have found no evidence of third-party involvement in the fire but are continuing their investigation. The mother remains at the hospital with her children, and police are working to determine more details about the circumstances surrounding the incident. It is crucial not to make assumptions or pre-empt any possible outcomes regarding the cause of the fire. The community is urged to come forward with any information they may have that could assist in the investigation.
The tragic incident was emotionally distressing for first responders and the community, as the loss of life, particularly children, is always a devastating event. The quick response by firefighters and emergency services demonstrates their dedication and commitment to saving lives. The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing, with authorities working diligently to uncover any potential leads. The support and cooperation of the community are essential in piecing together the events leading up to the fire and determining any suspicious activity that may have occurred.
The details of the incident, including the loud explosions and the quick response by emergency services, highlight the chaos and urgency of the situation. Neighbours and witnesses were shaken by the events and came together to assist in any way they could. The community’s compassion and concern for the well-being of the family affected by the fire are evident in their actions and desire to help. The investigation into the cause of the fire will likely provide more clarity on the circumstances surrounding the tragic event and help bring closure to those impacted. As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward to aid in the resolution of this heartbreaking incident.
