House fire kills 11, including 8 children
Source: Agencies |
August 25, 2011, Thursday
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An overnight house fire in eastern Australia killed 11 people, including eight children, from two families, officials said yesterday.
Three people escaped the blaze, which broke out in a two-story home around midnight in Logan City, south of the Queensland state capital of Brisbane, police Superintendent Noel Powers said. The fire began underneath the house but the cause is not yet known.
Eight children and teenagers were among the dead, with the youngest aged three, according to Queensland Premier Anna Bligh.
She said: "I have spoken to one man this morning whose wife and five children are unaccounted for. I do not think anyone could imagine the pain that would involve."
One man who escaped was taken to a hospital for treatment to face burns, while a second remained at the scene despite shoulder injuries. A third did not appear to be injured, Chief Superintendent Stephen Hollands said.
Faiumu Tafeaga said his nephew Misi Matauaina escaped by jumping from a window after his partner woke him up.
Matauaina's partner and their two children, aged three and six, were unable to get out, Tafeaga said.
"There was no time to go (back) into the house. He got a few burns," Tafeaga said of his nephew.
Elma Hiddleston, who said she was an aunt and cousin to those killed, wept outside the blackened remains of the house.
"I don't believe it really happened," she said. "I watched them grow up. Eleven people - it is just too much for me."
Investigators removed the first of the bodies from the house yesterday evening. A van carrying the bodies of two children stopped briefly in the street outside the home so family members could offer a prayer. Hundreds of community members lined the road as the van drove away.
Several other bodies remained in the house yesterday.
Powers said: "While there are a number of bodies in one or two locations, the majority are dispersed throughout the house. That makes it particularly difficult. We have to find our way through the rubble, make sure it is safe, and then locate the people as well."
Three people escaped the blaze, which broke out in a two-story home around midnight in Logan City, south of the Queensland state capital of Brisbane, police Superintendent Noel Powers said. The fire began underneath the house but the cause is not yet known.
Eight children and teenagers were among the dead, with the youngest aged three, according to Queensland Premier Anna Bligh.
She said: "I have spoken to one man this morning whose wife and five children are unaccounted for. I do not think anyone could imagine the pain that would involve."
One man who escaped was taken to a hospital for treatment to face burns, while a second remained at the scene despite shoulder injuries. A third did not appear to be injured, Chief Superintendent Stephen Hollands said.
Faiumu Tafeaga said his nephew Misi Matauaina escaped by jumping from a window after his partner woke him up.
Matauaina's partner and their two children, aged three and six, were unable to get out, Tafeaga said.
"There was no time to go (back) into the house. He got a few burns," Tafeaga said of his nephew.
Elma Hiddleston, who said she was an aunt and cousin to those killed, wept outside the blackened remains of the house.
"I don't believe it really happened," she said. "I watched them grow up. Eleven people - it is just too much for me."
Investigators removed the first of the bodies from the house yesterday evening. A van carrying the bodies of two children stopped briefly in the street outside the home so family members could offer a prayer. Hundreds of community members lined the road as the van drove away.
Several other bodies remained in the house yesterday.
Powers said: "While there are a number of bodies in one or two locations, the majority are dispersed throughout the house. That makes it particularly difficult. We have to find our way through the rubble, make sure it is safe, and then locate the people as well."
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