Investigations are continuing into a fatal house fire in Emerald, central Queensland, that claimed the lives of four people, including two babies. The blaze on Thursday morning destroyed a home on Opal Street, leaving the close-knit community in shock.
Emergency services were called to the property just before 7 a.m. and found the house fully engulfed. The deceased have been identified as five-month-old Desmond Symons, 20-month-old Maddison Symons, a 15-year-old girl, and 36-year-old Mathew Chilly, a family friend. The ABC is confirming the wishes of the teenage girl's family before releasing her name and image.
A 25-year-old woman, the mother of the two babies, and a 38-year-old woman escaped the fire and were taken to hospital for treatment. Police said six people were inside the home at the time of the fire.
Specialist fire and police investigation units from Rockhampton and Brisbane are working to determine the cause. Detective Acting Inspector Brett Richard said police are not treating the fire as suspicious but are investigating whether an e-scooter battery may have started the blaze. They are appealing for anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage from Opal Street between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m. on November 6 to come forward.
The community has laid tributes near the property, and the Anglican church in Emerald opened its doors for prayer, with four candles lit in remembrance. Residents have expressed devastation, with one local saying the town will rally together to support the affected families.
