Two bodies, believed to be those of children, have been discovered inside a home in the Blue Mountains that was destroyed by a fire early Monday morning. The father and four other children managed to escape the blaze, which broke out in the small town of Bowen Mountain, located in the foothills of the Blue Mountains in New South Wales.
Details of the Incident
The family of six children, aged between three and 16, and their father, who is in his 30s, were inside the home when the fire started just after 2:10 am. Emergency services arrived within five to eight minutes, but the intensity of the flames prevented firefighters from entering the building immediately. Approximately 60 firefighters from Fire and Rescue NSW and the Rural Fire Service were required to bring the fire under control.
NSW Fire and Rescue Assistant Commissioner Andrew Faunce stated during a press conference that the fire was fully developed upon arrival, with structural collapse already occurring through the roof cavity. This made it too unsafe for firefighters to attempt any rescue or search at that point. Defensive measures were employed initially, and after 3:30 am, firefighters began an offensive search of the premises.
Discovery of the Bodies
Police Superintendent Nadine Roberts confirmed that two bodies were found—one upstairs and another downstairs—believed to be the two missing children. However, she emphasized that formal identification would be part of the coroner's investigation. The four other children and their father were taken to the hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation and minor burns but are reported to be in stable condition.
The mother of the children was not present during the fire, as she was already en route to Queensland, where the family was scheduled to move on Monday. Police confirmed she is returning to be with the family.
Investigation Ongoing
Emergency services are continuing to investigate the cause of the fire, but as of late Monday morning, it is not being treated as suspicious. Roberts expressed condolences to the family and community, acknowledging the confronting nature of the incident for both the families and the first responders.
Neighbours had attempted to assist before the arrival of firefighters, but the rapid spread of the fire made rescue efforts impossible. The community has been left in shock, and support services have been made available to those affected.
