‘Huge explosions’ heard before Beaudesert school building went up in flames

Locals have described hearing ‘massive explosions before a building - believed to be the science lab - at a private college south of Brisbane burst into flames. Police are treating the fire as ‘suspicious’.

Residents have described hearing “massive explosions” before smoke began billowing out of a Beaudesert school building on Sunday morning.

Fire crews were sent to the blaze at McAuley College on Oakland Wy about 7am after reports the science block was on fire.

Four crews were on scene, with the fire contained at 7.47am.

Police have since declared a crime scene.

Nearby residents to the Catholic secondary school reported hearing an alarm going off before a now-blackened building burst into flames.

Fire at McAuley College in Beaudesert on Sunday morning. Picture: Supplied

Josh Smith was woken about 6.30am by two “massive explosions” before later realising the school was on fire.

From his backyard, he could see the flames and plumes of black smoke rising into the air from the school locker area.

“And then it got into the science lab obviously so whether it was the gas line in the science lab going off, I don’t know,” he said.

Firefighters, police and an ambulance were all on hand following the incident with the fire quickly under control.

Police door knocked surrounding neighbours on Sunday morning to gather statements but it’s not yet known whether or not the fire was intentionally lit.

Mr Smith said the fire damage was visible from the footpath outside the school with a roof of a building blackened by soot.

It’s understood the school has told parents the school will be open on Monday.

Another resident earlier posted on social media that: “It smelt like it was gym mats or garbage bins on fire as the smoke was really chemical.”

Police said the fire is being treated as suspicious.

They have appealed for anyone who has CCTV, or dashcam footage, to contact police.

Police reference number: QP2200778891.