Child dead in caravan fire in Boort

Emergency crews were called to the horror scene in Boort where a child was found dead inside a caravan.

Paramedics and other emergency services were called to the scene on Thursday where a child died. Picture: Hamilton Fiona

A young child is dead after a caravan caught fire in the central Victorian town of Boort.

Emergency crews were called to a Lake View Rd address on Thursday after reports of a caravan ablaze.

Victoria Police said in a statement: “Fire crews extinguished the blaze and a deceased child was located inside.

“The arson and explosives squad has been notified and an arson chemist will attend the scene to determine the cause of the fire.

“Officers are aware of the impact that such a tragic incident has on family, community members and first responders and will ensure that welfare services are in place.”

Ambulance Victoria said paramedics were called to the scene at 5.40pm.

Boort is a small town located 250km northwest of Melbourne and 100km from Bendigo, with a population of 940 people according to the most recent census.

The township is located around Lake Boort and labels itself as “the Northern Oasis” of Victoria and “Jewel of the Loddon Valley”.

The summer months generally see an influx of tourists to the lake, the nearby Granite Scenic Reserve and state forest.

It is not yet known if the child was local, however it is believed the caravan was located on a private property.