A devastating shed fire in suburban Corio, Geelong, has claimed the lives of two young children and left two others with severe burns. The fire broke out around 10:30am on Sunday in a garden shed at the Gold Diggers Arms Hotel property, engulfing the structure rapidly.
Saige McGregor, 3, and his 18-month-old sister Ashlynn died in the blaze. Their siblings Isaac, 4, and Mavis, 6, were airlifted to the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne in critical condition. The children's aunt, Sarah Guardiano, said the children appeared to have been trapped by a burning couch blocking the exit.
The children's mother, Jasmine, suffered burns while attempting to rescue them. Ms Guardiano praised her efforts, stating she did her best to pull the children out amidst the chaos. The children were described as inseparable and loving, often playing together in the family yard.
Uncle Anthony McGregor, who lived at the home, expressed the family's grief, emphasizing that the tragedy was an accident that happened very quickly. Neighbor Kerri-Ann Elkin recalled hearing sirens and seeing severely burned children being brought out of the shed.
A fundraising page has been established to cover funeral costs for Saige and Ashlynn. Police are investigating the fire and will prepare a report for the coroner.
