A man and a woman have tragically died after a devastating house fire tore through a property in the Geelong suburb of Herne Hill on Sunday morning.
Emergency Response to the Blaze
Emergency services were called to the scene on Bellarine Street just after 8:30am on Sunday, May 19. Firefighters arrived to find the single-storey brick home well alight. Crews from Fire Rescue Victoria and the Country Fire Authority worked quickly to bring the fierce blaze under control.
Once the fire was extinguished, firefighters conducted a search of the property. Tragically, they discovered the bodies of two people inside the home. Police have confirmed the deceased are a man and a woman. Their identities have not yet been formally released as authorities work to notify their next of kin.
Police Investigation Underway
Victoria Police have established a crime scene at the address as they investigate the cause of the fatal fire. A police spokeswoman stated that the deaths are not being treated as suspicious at this early stage. However, a report will be prepared for the coroner, which is standard procedure in such incidents.
Forensic investigators and arson chemists were seen at the property throughout Sunday, meticulously examining the scene to determine how the fire started. The exact cause remains unknown and under investigation.
Community Impact and Aftermath
The tragic event has sent shockwaves through the quiet Herne Hill community. Neighbours and local residents have expressed their devastation over the loss of life. The sight of the heavily damaged home, with its blackened roof and windows, serves as a stark reminder of the tragedy.
WorkSafe has also been notified and is making initial inquiries, as is standard for workplace-related incidents, though it is not yet clear if this applies. The scene remained cordoned off throughout the day as authorities continued their work.
This fatal fire is a heartbreaking reminder of the importance of working smoke alarms and having a fire escape plan for every household. The Geelong community is now mourning the loss of two of its residents in this sudden and devastating event.
