Family survives explosion

A BUNDABERG mum woke to find her car engulfed in flames in the early hours of yesterday morning in what police are treating as a suspicious blaze.

Linda Gorwood cleans up the mess from around her family car after an explosion destroyed it early yestreday morning. . Picture: Max Fleet

A BUNDABERG mum woke to find her car engulfed in flames in the early hours of yesterday morning in what police are treating as a suspicious blaze.

Linda Gorwood heard a “boom” as her car exploded outside her window and scrambled to get her two children, aged five and two, out of the house.

“My main thought was to get the kids out of the house because the garage is so close,” she said.

“I was really worried the fuel tank was going to explode.”

Queensland Fire and Rescue station officer Glenn Gifford said two crews were sent to the Phillips Street home at 1.30am to put out the car fire, which was lapping at the side of the house when they arrived.

“The car was well alight from the windscreen to the rear bumper when we arrived,” Mr Gifford said.

“After we put the car out, we ventilated the house because it was smoke logged.”

The side of the home was left charred and the Ford Falcon Forte destroyed.

Ms Gorwood said her car was not insured and she had “no idea” what she would do for transport.

“I had just put new registration on it last month and everything inside was melted as well,” she said.

Mrs Gorwood and a neighbour kept the flames from engulfing her home until firefighters arrived.

“We were both hosing down the side of the house and the roof, but it still got a bit burnt,” she said.

“We will just have to clean up what’s left.”

Ms Gorwood had just bought a brand new booster seat which, along with another car seat, pram and tools were destroyed by the blaze.

“I don’t think I will be sleeping very well now,” she said.

“I hope the police catch the person who did this.”

Ms Gorwood’s neighbour, Jodi Mcrae, said she was woken by a smash.

“We were in bed and I heard a crash and then a boom,” she said.

“The light outside was so bright, I thought the fire was in our yard.”

Mrs Mcrae said she heard several small explosions from the car while she was calling Triple-0.

“It was terrifying,” she said.

“It’s not something you wake up to every night. I’m glad it didn’t burn down either of our houses.”

Bundaberg police Sergeant Mike McLellan said a number of witnesses were being questioned about the suspected arson.

“We have eight witnesses we are speaking with, but we have no suspects so far,” he said.

“Anyone with information should call Bundaberg Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333000.”

Originally published as Family survives explosion