Detectives have eliminated one man as a suspect following a house fire in Chadstone, south-east Melbourne, that left a mother in critical condition and two primary school-aged girls seriously injured. The blaze erupted around 9.30pm on Wednesday at a two-storey townhouse on Terrigal Street, reportedly sparked by the explosion of a gas cylinder.
Fire crews found the 10-year-old and eight-year-old girls with their mother huddled together in an upstairs bedroom amidst the raging inferno. The firefighters successfully rescued them and administered CPR before transporting them to hospital, with the girls now in stable condition at the Royal Children’s Hospital. Sadly, their 37-year-old mother remains in a critical state at The Alfred Hospital.
Interestingly, the 36-year-old male resident of the property was not present during the incident. After being interviewed by the authorities, he was cleared as a suspect, though the fire is still classified as suspicious. Currently, police are not pursuing any other leads in connection with the incident.
Authorities have expressed the intention to interview the mother as soon as her condition allows, but for the moment, she is unable to communicate with investigators. The fire’s ferocity was significant enough to cause the roof to collapse, and the dwelling has suffered extensive smoke and water damage.
Witnesses relayed that the fire’s onset resembled “a massive bomb,” with one local describing a huge fireball erupting and smoke billowing for several kilometres. The impact of the fire was considerable, impacting the second-floor bedrooms and ensuite where temperatures reportedly reached 500 degrees Celsius, making entry extremely hazardous for firefighters.
Fire Rescue Victoria has lauded the bravery and quick actions of the firefighters involved, which were pivotal in saving lives. Authorities are appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident or has relevant footage to come forward and assist the investigation.