Coroner reviewing evidence into shed fire that killed Corio siblings Isaac, Saige and Ashlynn McGregor
A coroner is weighing up whether an inquest is required into the deaths of three young children in a suburban backyard a year on from the tragedy that rocked Geelong.
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A coroner will decide whether to launch an inquest into how three young children were killed in a suburban shed fire a year on from the shocking tragedy.
Detectives from the arson and explosives squad have handed over a brief of evidence to the court after a thorough and painstaking investigation into the deaths of Isaac, Saige and Ashlynn McGregor, on October 22 in Corio last year.
The siblings, aged five, three and one respectively, were inside a small metal garden shed when it caught fire in their Officer Court backyard.
Their seven-year-old sister, Mavis, was the sole survivor of the blaze.
Specialist police have been tight-lipped over details surrounding the probe, but confirmed on the anniversary of the nightmare they have submitted a dossier that is now sitting with a state coroner.
A Coroners Court spokeswoman said a review of the evidence was underway before a decision was made about a possible public inquiry.
“The investigation into the deaths of Isaac, Saige and Ashlynn McGregor is ongoing,” she said.
“The coronial brief of evidence has been received.”
It’s understood at least one of the children was in possession of a cigarette lighter that could have sparked the hellish scene that was to follow.
Their mother, Jasmine Beck, 27, was at home at the time of the tragedy, allegedly pushing past a flame-licked couch that had trapped the four kids inside to try and save them.
Ashlynn, aged 18 months, and Saige died at the scene.
Isaac and Mavis were flown to The Royal Children’s Hospital before the former succumbed to his injuries.
The deaths rocked Geelong and sparked an outpouring of grief, with a public vigil held for the trio attracting hundreds of mourners.
Good Samaritans also donated their hard-earned cash to assist the families of the victims, with more than $73,000 raised from two online fundraisers.
A Victoria Police spokeswoman said the arson squad would not comment on their investigation until after the coronial probe.
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Originally published as Coroner reviewing evidence into shed fire that killed Corio siblings Isaac, Saige and Ashlynn McGregor
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