Toowoomba house destroyed in blaze overnight

A witness to a devastating fire that killed a man and his dog and destroyed his southeast Queensland property  has told how a group of children frantically tried to wake him.

The man whose body was found in a Toowoomba house following a devastating fire has been identified as David O’Dowd.

 

Harlaxton neighbour Travis Hunt said the fire woke several people in the area who tried to rush to Mr O’Dowd’s aid.

“There were about five kids out the front throwing rocks at the house, trying to wake him up,” Mr Hunt said.

Sadly, they were unsuccessful.

Dave O'Dowd lost his life in a Toowoomba house fire.

The fire spread through the Doyle St house in minutes, fanned by strong winds.

Mr O’Dowd died, along with a German shepherd dog.

Doyle St house destroyed by fire. Thursday, 20th Aug, 2020.

Emergency crews, including Queensland Fire and Emergency Service crews and Queensland Police Service arrived at the Doyle St, Harlaxton address at 11:15 pm on Wednesday.

Crews were on scene into the early hours of the morning still attempting to dampen the “well involved” house.

Doyle St house destroyed by fire. Thursday, 20th Aug, 2020.

"When we arrived at the structure we noticed the house was well involved in fire and we went straight into action with hose lines" QFES station officer Brad Rosenblatt said.

"I don't think there was one place in the structure that didn't have fire.

"The crews did a fantastic job to knock the flames down that allowed us to get inside and do an initial primary search."

Police and fire investigators have established a crime scene and are working to determine the cause of the fire.

They appealed for witness and members of the public to come forward with any information that would aid in their investigation.

Phone Policelink on 131 444.

Originally published as Toowoomba house destroyed in blaze overnight