Tragic update after three children rescued from horror Melbourne house fire

It’s believed the three kids were trapped in the house for 30 minutes before firefighters came to the rescue. 

Two of the three children trapped in a house fire in Melbourne’s northwest have died in hospital surrounded by family.

Emergency services were called to the Sydenham property at 9.30pm on Sunday after reports of a house fire. 

Flames were bursting through the roof of the property, completely engulfing the house while three children were trapped inside. 

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Five-year-old Izabel (left) tragically died after the house fire. Three-year-old Kalais (right) remains in a critical condition.

Two children die after wild house fire

Thirty firefighters were on the scene trying to control the flames, entering the home and discovering five-year-old Izabel, Kalais, three, and a one-year-old girl. 

The children, who are believed to be siblings, were rushed to the Royal Children’s Hospital in a critical condition. 

RELATED: ‘No kid deserves this’: Dad speaks out after kids trapped in horror house fire

In an update from Victoria Police, it was confirmed that two of the thre children, 5yo Izabel and the 1yo daughter, had passed away from their injuries. 

The two girls were “surrounded by family”, a spokesperson for Victoria Police said. The 3yo boy remains in a critical condition.

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Earlier this week, stepdad Jayde Petalas told reporters that the children were “not well at all”, explaining the children and their mother had only recently moved into the house. 

“It was hard to see,” he said after visiting the hospital. “Happy little kids. That’s what they were. They loved everything. No kid deserves this.” 

It’s believed the children were trapped inside the blazing property for 30 minutes before firefighters could rescue them. “They would have been petrified. I hope they didn’t feel anything, to be honest,’ said Mr Petalas. 

“Obviously, they would have, but I just tell myself they didn’t. It shouldn’t have happened.” 

RELATED: Three children in critical condition after fire rips through Melbourne home

It took 30 firefighters to control the blaze.

“It was like an explosion”

Witnesses recounted the loud bang that echoed through the street as the fire ripped through the house, which sounded like gunfire or a car exploding. 

“It was like an explosion,” a neighbour said.

“At first, we thought it was gunshots, so we cowered a bit, and then I peaked out the back window and saw the flames and the smoke coming out the back of their house.” 

Detectives from the Arson and Explosives Squad are investigating the cause of the fire and who was at the property prior to the blaze. 

Police have urged anyone with information to come forward or contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Originally published as Tragic update after three children rescued from horror Melbourne house fire