TRIPLE TRAGEDY: Three Lives Lost in Devastating House Fire that Engulfed Queensland Home
- Emergency services called to Whiting Street, Toolooa, around 6am to find the two-storey home engulfed in flames
- Three people confirmed dead, with investigators working to identify the victims and determine the cause of the blaze
- Neighbours who raised the alarm described the scene as “horrific” as multiple fire crews battled to bring the fire under control
In a devastating start to the day, three people have lost their lives in a fierce house fire that ripped through a Queensland home. The tragedy unfolded in the early hours of Wednesday morning in the suburb of Toolooa, Gladstone, as emergency services rushed to the scene to find the two-storey property engulfed in flames.
Neighbours, who alerted authorities to the blaze, described the scene as “horrific” as multiple fire crews battled to bring the inferno under control. The fire was finally extinguished by 7:20am, but not before the house had partially collapsed, hindering search efforts.
“Obviously the fire scene is very horrific … and will take some time to go through,” said Capricornia Detective Acting Superintendent Luke Peachey. “It will be a number of days before we know the full circumstances of the fire. We’ll be working with the families, once we establish who those people are, to try and work out what happened.”
A crime scene has been established, and fire investigators have been notified to determine the cause of the blaze. Queensland Premier David Crisafulli expressed his deep sadness at the news, saying, “These kinds of incidents, they’re always very difficult. They’re particularly difficult when they’re in smaller communities. My heart really goes out for the family, the neighbours, the first responders. It’s a really, really difficult time, and any support that’s needed, I can assure you it’ll be given.”
As the investigation continues, the community is left to mourn the loss of three lives in this devastating tragedy.