Wheelchair assault victim dies in blaze

A WHEELCHAIR-BOUND woman who was attacked and robbed in her home north of Brisbane 10 days ago died yesterday in a suspicious house fire.

A WHEELCHAIR-BOUND woman who was attacked and robbed in her home north of Brisbane 10 days ago died yesterday when the house was destroyed in what police described as a suspicious blaze.

Firefighters were still at the scene last night, sifting through the ruins of the home after police declared it a crime scene.

Two firefighters were injured and the woman's dog was killed when the house at Kallangur, on the city's northern fringe, was engulfed in flames about 10.30am. A 55-year-old male resident of the house was taken to hospital with smoke inhalation.

The woman, 48, was allegedly attacked on April 13 by intruders who put a plastic bag over her head during the robbery. Neighbours said yesterday she was traumatised by the attack.

Police would not speculate on whether the fire was related to the incident, or other reported break-ins to the house.

On Tuesday, a 21-year-old man appeared in court over the April 13 incident and was bailed to reappear on July 1. He was charged in Pine Rivers Magistrates Court with torture, entering a dwelling with intent, serious assault, sexual assault, deprivation of liberty and stealing.

The woman lived in the house with her husband and another man. By the time help arrived, the flames were so intense bystanders could only watch as the house burnt down.

"We saw smoke come up, and me and the boss jumped in the car and raced up," said excavator driver Luke Manahan, 23.

"The husband was running out yelling, `My wife's in there, my wife's in there'."

Additional reporting: Natasha Bita and AAP