A fierce early morning fire has left an elderly man and a woman fighting for their lives, after flames tore through a Brisbane apartment building. The dramatic blaze on Water Street in Spring Hill required a daring rescue by firefighters who entered the inferno.
Residents Awakened by Screams and Flames
The terrifying incident unfolded just before 3am on Tuesday, when residents were jolted from their sleep. Witnesses reported hearing screams as the fire took hold on the building's top floor. Local resident Zain Ali described the chaotic moments after he woke.
"I woke up and saw flames coming through the hallway," Ali told 7NEWS. "By the time I heard screaming, I couldn't go in because the flame was in my face. So, I ran out and went down to the payphone and called the fire brigade."
Firefighters' Dangerous Rescue Mission
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services crews arrived within minutes to find the top level "fully involved in fire." Despite the extreme danger, firefighters immediately rushed in to rescue those trapped inside.
"Fire crews made entry into the unit while it was fully involved to evacuate one person from the flames," said Queensland Fire and Rescue Service Inspector Richard Onn. "It was quite dangerous with the heat but crews are well trained and it's part of their job."
At the peak of the emergency, five fire appliances and approximately twenty firefighters battled the blaze. It took between twenty and thirty minutes to bring the fire under control.
Victims Rushed to Hospital with Serious Burns
Emergency services worked swiftly to treat and transport the injured. Queensland Ambulance Service deployed multiple crews, including the specialist High Acuity Response Unit for critical emergencies.
The victims included:
- A man in his 80s, who was transported to the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital in a life-threatening condition with significant burns.
- A woman in her 30s, also taken to the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital in a potentially life-threatening condition with serious burns.
- A third man, who sustained minor burns, was taken to the Princess Alexandra Hospital in a stable condition.
Resident Zain Ali expressed his relief at the rescue, stating, "I didn't think they were going to make it out, honestly, but somehow they made it, so God bless." He added, "Two people were in pain when they were taken out by paramedics. I hope they're going to be OK."
Investigation into the Cause Begins
All emergency crews had cleared the scene by 5.30am on Tuesday. The cause of the devastating fire remains unknown, with Queensland Police and fire investigators launching a probe into the incident.
Fire and forensic experts are expected to examine the charred remains of the Spring Hill unit throughout Tuesday to determine what sparked the deadly blaze. The community and authorities are now waiting for answers as the victims continue their fight for survival in hospital.
