A mother from Toowoomba, Queensland, has been charged with three counts of murder and three counts of attempted murder following a tragic house fire that resulted in the deaths of three of her children. The incident occurred in the Harristown area at approximately 12:30 am on May 7, involving seven individuals who were inside the home at the time.
The 36-year-old woman and a 34-year-old man, alongside four children, managed to escape the flames. Tragically, a nine-year-old boy was discovered deceased inside the home after firefighters extinguished the fire. Additionally, two girls, aged four and seven, died from their injuries at the Queensland Children’s Hospital. Meanwhile, another man, an 18-year-old, and an 11-year-old boy escaped with minor injuries.
The mother, believed to be the children’s primary caregiver, was taken to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital under police guard due to her critical condition. In an extensive ongoing investigation, police are collaborating with Child Protection Detectives, Homicide Investigation Unit, and forensic specialists to ascertain the details surrounding the incident. Authorities are looking into the potential use of an accelerant in the fire, raising the severity of the tragedy.
The charges brought against the woman include domestic violence-related murder and arson. She is scheduled to appear in court at a later date to face these serious allegations. The community is in shock as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding this devastating incident.