Two sisters, aged two and 13, have died from injuries sustained in a house fire that occurred in Bushland Beach, a northern suburb of Townsville, in the early hours of Sunday, February 1. Emergency services responded to the Gum Court residence around 5:30 AM.
Two teenage boys also sustained smoke inhalation injuries and were hospitalized in stable condition, while two police officers received treatment for smoke inhalation. Authorities have declared a crime scene and initiated an investigation into the cause of the fire, which is not currently being treated as suspicious.
Incident Details and Response
Emergency services were called to a two-storey residence on Gum Court, Bushland Beach, at approximately 5:30 AM on Sunday, February 1, following reports of a house fire. Queensland Fire Department Acting Inspector Steve Bigham stated that the fire was located on the bottom floor of the building.
Upon arrival, police officers reportedly rescued one individual and began administering CPR. Firefighters subsequently extracted a second person and provided CPR. The two girls were extracted from the second storey of the residence.
Access to the building was made by authorities forcing entry via a window and by using a ladder to access the roof, through which casualties were removed.
Two other occupants self-evacuated. Fire crews contained the blaze, with efforts then focusing on assisting Queensland Ambulance officers due to significant smoke exposure. Police officers involved in the rescue were exposed to substantial smoke and heat.
Casualties and Outcome
A two-year-old girl, Hallie, and a 13-year-old girl, Evie, sustained severe breathing issues and were transported to Townsville University Hospital in a critical, life-threatening condition. Queensland Police confirmed on Thursday that both sisters succumbed to their injuries.
Two teenage boys, aged 15 and 17, who were also in the house, were hospitalized in stable condition with smoke inhalation injuries. Two police officers received treatment for smoke inhalation and were taken to a hospital for precautionary measures.
Investigation
A crime scene has been declared at the residence, and an investigation into the incident is underway. Fire investigators are at the scene. The Townsville Child Protection and Investigation Unit (CPIU) is conducting the investigation.
The cause of the fire has not yet been determined and is not being treated as suspicious at this time, with officers pursuing a routine line of inquiry. Authorities have requested that anyone with relevant information come forward.
Community Support
Earlier in the week, the family of the deceased girls released a statement expressing gratitude for community support and assistance from health and emergency services. A fundraiser initiated to support the family has raised over $85,000.