Emerald house fire tragedy : Four people — including two infants — were found dead after a fire tore through a Queensland home, a heartbreaking tragedy that has left the community in deep sorrow.
Two infants, a teenager, and a man were discovered dead after a blaze tore through a home in Central Queensland.
When firefighters arrived at the property on Opal Street in Emerald around 6:50 a.m. on Thursday, the house was already engulfed in flames.
The four victims were later found inside the residence.
Four Dead, Including Two Infants, in Tragic Emerald House Fire
Senior Sergeant Peter McFarlane confirmed that a boy and a girl, both under the age of two, along with a teenage girl and a man in his 30s, lost their lives in the devastating fire.
Two other individuals managed to escape the blaze and were taken to hospital for treatment related to psychological distress.
According to Mr. McFarlane, neighbours attempted to fight the flames using garden hoses before emergency crews arrived at the scene around 7 a.m.
It’s been an incredibly traumatic event for everyone involved. Our main focus right now is on supporting the victims’ families, their loved ones, and also our emergency service personnel who will need care in the coming days,” he said.
He described it as “a deeply sad and tragic scene,” both inside and outside the home, noting that many family members had gathered nearby.
The community here in Emerald is very close-knit, and families are coming together to comfort and support one another during this heartbreaking time,” he added.
Victims Identified as Two Infants, a Teenager, and a Man in His 30s
The officer in charge confirmed that a comprehensive investigation is underway, with specialist officers from Rockhampton and Brisbane working to determine the exact cause of the fire, which broke out at a government housing property.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday morning, Queensland Premier David Crisafulli described the deaths as “incredibly sad,” saying the tragedy would deeply affect the entire community.
In smaller towns, the sense of loss is always felt more profoundly — through schools, community groups, and emergency services. The impact will ripple across the whole community,” he said.
On behalf of everyone, I extend my deepest condolences to the family, the neighbours, and the emergency personnel involved. This is a heartbreaking tragedy — one that shakes every community, especially those that are close-knit.
Neighbours Tried to Battle Flames Before Fire Crews Arrived
Central Highlands Regional Council Mayor Janice Moriarty paid tribute to the four victims of the devastating Emerald house fire.
We are deeply saddened by the tragic incident that occurred early this morning in Emerald,” she said. “Council
understands that authorities are investigating the cause of the blaze, and we are offering our full support and cooperation to all responding agencies.
On behalf of the Central Highlands Regional Council and the wider community, our thoughts are with the families and friends of those affected.
Police and Fire Investigators Examine Cause of the Blaze
The Gladstone Regional Council also expressed sorrow over the fatal fire, saying in a statement, “We are deeply saddened by this tragedy. Coming so soon after our community experienced a similar loss, this news may be particularly distressing for some.
The statement added, “In times like these, it’s important to remember that support services are available.
This heartbreaking incident follows another deadly fire in Gladstone, Central Queensland, on October 15, which claimed the lives of Jordana Johnson, 36, her son Jordan Norris, and his close friend Chazz Mather, both aged 12.
A 37-year-old Toolooa woman has since been charged with three counts of murder and two counts of arson in connection with that blaze.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the Emerald fire to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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