A fierce blaze tore through a two-storey home in Toolooa, Gladstone, early Wednesday morning, leaving three people dead and a shocked community in mourning. The Gladstone house fire news reports that the fire started on Whiting Street just before 6 am and quickly devoured the entire house before firefighters arrived. Firefighters from six different stations of Queensland Fire and Emergency Services were called to the scene; however, by that time, the fire had taken over the house.
According to a spokesperson from the fire department, the fire was so hot that parts of the house collapsed, and the crew could not get in because it was too hazardous. “Crews couldn’t get in to do their primary search until it was under control,” the spokesperson said.
Firefighters spent almost two hours fighting the fire, and around 8 o’clock, they were finally able to control it. Even though they tried hard, the upper floor of the house completely collapsed, and the smoke continued to rise from the site long after the fire had been put out.
Three died as the Gladstone house fire engulfed the home before firefighters arrived.
Who Were The Victims Of The Gladstone Fire Fatalities?
Authorities shared that three bodies had been located in the dwelling. Subsequently, they were named as Jordana Johnson, aged 36, Jordan Norris, aged 13 and his friend Chazz Mather, who was also 13. Neighbours mentioned that they were awakened by a loud noise and bright light the moment the fire started. A lot of them called the incident “heartbreaking” and “unimaginable” in the same breath.
Acting Chief Superintendent Luke Peachey commented that the scene was very traumatic to the first responders. “The fire scene is very horrific for everyone involved and will take some time to go through,” he remarked. He went on to say that an incident command had been established to manage the inquiry. “We’ll be working through the coming days to establish exactly what has happened and how these three people lost their lives,” he stated.
Why Has The Scene Been Declared A Crime Scene?
As soon as the fire was put out, the police right away labelled the place a crime scene. Now, forensic specialists are going through the burnt material to gather evidence and determine the origin of the blaze. The house fire deaths, Gladstone investigation is underway.
The investigators are checking the CCTV and dashcam videos from the neighbouring houses, and also talking to the witnesses. However, the police have not disclosed whether the fire was an accident or intentional.
“A spokesperson said, “It is too soon to guess even on the cause.” “Our top priority is to find out what exactly occurred in that house.”
Police declared the scene a crime scene; forensics investigatesthe blaze.
How Did Emergency Services Respond To The Gladstone House Fire News?
Fire services received the call in less than a minute after the fire broke out. Firefighters, medics, and patrolmen arrived at the building in no time, but sadly, the fire had already taken over most of the building.
Due to the fall of the roof, the teams were prevented from getting in and had to extinguish the fire from the outside until it was safe to enter. The Queensland Fire Department referred to the fire as “very large” and said it was a great danger to the firefighters.
Psychological support has been provided for the firemen and police officials who were present at the scene. While the forensic investigators have been conducting their work in the debris, the police have been keeping the area under guard.
Community Mourns And Investigation Continues In Gladstone Fire Fatalities
The deaths caused by the house fire in Gladstone have deeply affected the close-knit community. State MP Glenn Butcher gave his condolences, and at the same time, he also commended the emergency services. “My thoughts are with the family, friends, and loved ones of the three people who unfortunately lost their lives,” he stated.
Even Queensland Premier David Crisafulli honoured the victims. “These situations are always hard to deal with, particularly in less populated communities. My prayers go to the families, neighbors, and the emergency workers,” he remarked.
People from the neighborhood have started to put flowers and messages of sympathy in front of the burned house. A lot of them have referred to the deceased as very nice and lively people.
The forensic teams are currently scrutinising the fire’s origin by examining the electrical systems, gas lines, and possibly even the accelerants. Authorities have assured the public that the investigation will be detailed and open.
Grief therapy has been provided to the victim’s relatives and the rescuers. The misfortune has brought the community even closer, leaving a strong emotional mark.
Also Read: Central Coast Unit Fire Charges Filed After Erina Blaze
FAQs
Q1: How many people died in the Gladstone fire?
Three people, including a mother and two teenage boys, were confirmed dead.
Q2: When did the fire occur?
The blaze started just before 6 am Wednesday and was brought under control by 8 am.
Q3: Who were the victims?
The victims were identified as Jordana Johnson, her son Jordan Norris, and his friend Chazz Mather.
Q4: Why was the site declared a crime scene?
Police declared the property a crime scene due to suspicious circumstances surrounding the fire’s cause.
