Friends, Brisbane community mourn family killed in horrific Camp Hill car fire

Friends have posted heartbreaking tributes for a “spectacular mother” and her “precious babies” after a horrific car fire in Brisbane that has shaken the community.

Tributes are flowing for a Brisbane mother and her three young children killed in a horrific car fire in the city’s east on Wednesday.

Six-year-old Laianah Baxter, her four-year-old sister, Aaliyah, and 3-year-old brother, Trey, all died when the vehicle went up in flames on Raven Street in Camp Hill about 8.30am.

The children’s mother, 31-year-old Hannah Baxter, was rushed to hospital where she died of her wounds, while their father, 42-year-old Rowan Baxter, reportedly died of self-inflicted stab wounds.

The Baxter girls who were killed in the horrific car fire at Camp Hill. Photo: Facebook

Their 3-year-old brother, Trey, who was also killed. Photo: Facebook

Hannah Baxter with her three children. Photo: Facebook

“My heart is broken today!” a friend of Ms Baxter’s, Katie Stewart, wrote on Facebook.

“Things like this just shouldn’t be able to happen to anyone, let alone someone you know, someone you call your friend, someone you’ve watched grow up to be a lovely athlete, a beautiful smiley woman and a spectacular mother!

“My heart is breaking for everyone who knew her and her precious babies but especially the Clarke family.”

Another friend, Samantha Tone, said she “idolised” Ms Baxter, who was a “super mum”.

You are with the angels now beautiful girl ❤️ we have had so many laughs and good times from cheering each other on at...

Posted by Samantha Tone on Wednesday, 19 February 2020

“You are with the angels now beautiful girl,” she wrote.

“Your aura would bring light and happiness to any room you were in. You will be so missed. I will cherish these memories dearly and I promise to love my babies as much as you did yours.

“I idolised you as a mother, you were super mum. Fly high beautiful.”

Coorparoo member Fiona Cunningham leaves flowers on Raven Street in Camp Hill. Picture: AAP/John Gass

Flowers and teddy bears have been placed at the scene by members of the community still coming to terms with the horrific tragedy.

One card addressed to Ms Baxter read: “Our prayers are with you. Your babies are forever in your arms. Fly high angels”.

Local councillor Fiona Cunningham said she was “absolutely devastated”.

“Our children are so precious and this is just another reminder to hug them tight and treasure every moment spent with them,” she said in a tribute posted on Facebook.

“Rest in peace little angels.”

Brisbane Mayor Adrian Schrinner leaves flowers for the children in Camp Hill. Picture: AAP/John Gass

The Lord Mayor of Brisbane, Adrian Schrinner, also paid tribute to the family in a post on Facebook.

“It’s horrific and so unimaginably sad that innocent lives lost have been lost like this,” he said.

“After the daycare bus tragedy in Cairns, it’s been a horrendous 48 hours for all Queenslanders, especially those of us who are parents of young children.

“At times like this we feel powerless and we wonder what we can do in the face of such horror. The best thing we can do is hug our kids and tell them they are treasured and we love them.”

Mr Schrinner said he had passed by the street on Wednesday morning and was “worried” to see the police cars.

“But at the time had no idea about the shocking tragedy that had happened.”

Flowers and cards left at the scene. Picture: AAP/John Gass

A card that reads: “Our prayers are with you. Your babies are forever in your arms. Fly high angels”. Picture: AAP/John Gass

Federal member for Griffith Terri Butler and Matt Campbell. Picture: AAP/John Gass

In a letter to parents, Belmont State School principal Lisa Morrison said the school community was deeply shocked and saddened by the death of its students.

“The school community’s thoughts and sincere sympathies go out to the family, caregivers, friends and loved ones of the students during this difficult time,” Ms Morrison said.

“Support is being provided to students and staff who require it, and counsellors will remain on hand to provide support to the school in any way they can and for as long as it is needed.”

The federal member for Griffith, Terri Butler, said she would ensure mental health assistance was available for the community.

“Please keep the first responders in your thoughts today – what they will have gone through is unimaginable,” she said on Twitter.

“Many people will be deeply distressed by this horrific news. Please talk to your GP if this is affecting you.”