Two children dead in Corio fire tragedy, two others fight for life

At least two children have died and another two are fighting for life after a fire broke out in the garden shed of their Corio home.

Emergency services at the scene in Officer Court, Corio. Picture: Supplied

Two children have tragically died and another two are in a critical condition after a shed fire in Corio.

The incident happened on Sunday morning at Officer Court, where a fire broke out in the garden shed of a home.

Police Inspector Emma Bartel confirmed two children had died, and two have been airlifted to the Royal Children’s Hospital in a critical condition.

A Royal Children’s Hospital spokesperson confirmed the two children remained in a critical condition on Monday morning.

“This is a really tight knit community here,” Inspector Bartel said.

Inspector Emma Bartel speaks to the media. Picture: Alan Barber

“It is an awful, tragic event that’s happened, and for the sake of the family that are involved and the community, we owe it to them to find out what did take place.

“It is unfortunately the worst-case scenario of what we can expect with an incident like this.

“We can only do our best to support the family and do our best to provide them with some answers.”

The father of the two critical children has accompanied them to hospital.

It’s believed the mum was home at the time of fire, which is not being treated as suspicious.

The arson squad is investigating how the fire started.

“It will take us some time to examine the scene,” Inspector Bartel said.

Police and fire crews cordoned off Officer Court and Norberry Court following the incident, believed to have occured about 10.30am.

Neighbours reacted with shock at the chaotic scenes.

Detectives arrive at the scene of a double fatality. Picture: Alan Barber

Fairbairn Drive resident Stephanie Shaw, 27, said her family had been left “completely stunned”.

“It’s quite shocking to see all this,” she said.

“We didn’t smell smoke or see anything but obviously we all know now it’s pretty serious.

“If it has involved children then that is so bad. That’s what we are hearing.”

Corio resident, Charmaine Lean, 55, said the incident was “just devastating”.

“We’ve heard they were in a shed,” she said.

One of three air ambulances called to the scene. Scene of fatal house fire in Corio. Picture: Alan Barber

“I’ve never seen anything like this and I’ve been living here for 10 years.”

Another Corio resident, who did not want to be named, said “it’s tragic.”

“It sounds pretty sad,” he said.

Officer Ct was blocked with paramedics, police vehicles and fire crews as rain pelted down over the Geelong suburb this morning

Helicopters could be seen flying overhead and cars were being turned away this morning.

It’s believed the four children were in the shed “when it caught fire.”

Distressed family or friends at the scene. Scene of fatal house fire in Corio. Picture: Alan Barber

“Two children, who are yet to be formally identified, have sadly died at the scene,” A police spokeswoman confirmed.

“The other two children, also yet to be formally identified, have been airlifted to hospital in a critical condition.”

Originally published as Two children dead in Corio fire tragedy, two others fight for life