‘Tragic’: Three kids killed in ‘suspicious’ Harristown house fire, woman under police guard

Three children have died after a “suspicious” blaze tore through a Queensland home, with a mother still in hospital under police guard.

Three children have died after a “suspicious” blaze tore through a Queensland home, with a a woman still in hospital under police guard.

The home on Merritt St, Harristown in Toowoomba was engulfed in flames when emergency services arrived at about 12.30am on Wednesday.

A body believed to be of a nine-year-old boy was discovered inside. Police say they are yet to be formally identified.

Two girls, aged 4 and 7, were among the six people who managed to escape from the property and were both rushed to hospital with critical injuries.

Both girls died in Queensland Children’s Hospital overnight.

Two more children have died after a suspicious fire ripped through a property in Toowoomba on Wednesday morning, which claimed the life of a nine-year-old boy. Picture: Kevin Farmer

A 36-year-old woman also suffered critical injuries in the blaze. She remains in Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital under police guard.

A 34-year-old man, an 11-year-old boy, and an 18-year-old man were able to escape the fire.

Detective Superintendent George Marchesini told reporters on Thursday that the 18-year-old and the 11-year-old had been released from hospital.

“They did attend the hospital last night, while obviously life support was turned off with the two young girls,” he said.

Superintendent Marchesini said police had so far been unable to speak with the woman, who was seriously injured but “expected to survive”.

“(We are) working ... with the hospital to arrange, but that will happen depending on her condition,” he said.

“We do know she’ll be in hospital for an extensive period of time.”

Police say the house remains a crime scene and is being forensically examined with assistance from the homicide unit.

Investigators at the scene of a fatal house fire in Harristown, Wednesday, May 7, 2025. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Superintendent Marchesini said the fire was a“scene that no one should have to see”.

“On behalf of the Queensland Police Service, I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the families, friends and all those involved in this tragic event,” he said.

“Toowoomba is a tight-knit community and this will no doubt have a considerable impact on the residents.”

It is believed those at the home had “some interaction” with police prior to the fire.

“As part of our investigation we will be looking at any interaction or communication from (them) with police prior to this incident,” he said.

“We are again appealing for anyone with information or vision to come forward.”

Police investigators at the scene of a fatal house fire in Harristown, Wednesday, May 7, 2025. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Flowers and other tributes have been laid outside the Harristown home, which is still cordoned off with police tape.

These sentiments echoed those shared by Darling Downs District Acting Superintendent Scott Stahlhut at an earlier press conference on Wednesday.

“Sadly we are here today to report on a tragic event,” he said.

“Any fire that results in a loss in life is tragic.”

Queensland Fire Department station manager Neil Goodman said emergency services arrived on the scene to find a “wall of flame and heavy smoke”.

After crews were able to bring the fire under control, they discovered the remains of a child “just near the front door”.

“The guys had quite … a difficult time making access and getting in to conduct a primary search,” he said per 7News.

The fire is being treated as suspicious and police have confirmed they are not looking for anyone else in connection with it at this stage.

Originally published as ‘Tragic’: Three kids killed in ‘suspicious’ Harristown house fire, woman under police guard