March 24, 2018
Three people have died – believed to be a father and two children – in an horrific house fire in Kingaroy on Saturday afternoon.
The children are thought to be a toddler and a baby.
Sergeant Ron Reynolds, from Kingaroy Police, said a passing motorist noticed thick black smoke coming out from under the eaves of the house – located on the corner of Booth and Kingaroy streets – as he was driving past about 1:00pm.
He immediately rang Triple 0, turned around and returned to the building.
Sgt Reynolds said he was joined by two other men and the trio started banging on the windows, yelling out if anyone was inside.
The flames and heat were too fierce for them to enter the house.
However, one of the men suddenly spotted a young boy’s head at one of the windows.
They managed to smash the glass, grab the three-year-old and pull him out of the building. He has been taken to Kingaroy Hospital suffering from smoke inhalation.
A woman, believed to be related to the victims, has also been taken to hospital. She was not in the building at the time of the fire but arrived back to find emergency services in the street.
Sgt Reynolds said the heat from the fire was so intense, a vehicle parked in the front yard of the building started to smoulder.
Firefighters were quickly on the scene but there was nothing they could do to save the occupants.
One end of the building, believed to contain the lounge room, has been gutted by the blaze while the rest of the building is very badly damaged.
Sgt Reynolds said Forensic Investigators were on their way, and the Disaster Victim Identification squad was also expected to be despatched from Brisbane.
At this stage, the cause of the fire is unknown.
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Local MP Deb Frecklington said she was very saddened to learn about the terrible fire.
“My thoughts are with the family and community affected by this tragedy,” she said.
“I would like to thank all of the emergency services who attended this incident.
“I also thank the courageous passers-by who rushed to the scene and saved the life of a young boy apparently trapped in the home.
“They are true heroes.”
My heart goes out to Sarah Bond such a tragedy for her and her little boy Zach, with deep Sympathy and through Prays only the LORD GOD can heal the pain, suffering & nightmares this poor woman is carrying. This dear Wife and Mother with her little boy is left with nightmares for the rest of their life. My Condolences also to the Parents and Grandparents so sad my People. Love You My people