Corio fire tragedy: Arson squad still investigating nightmare fire that killed three children

Specialist police are rigorously investigating the circumstances that led to the tragic death of three young children in a Corio shed fire.

Three children were killed and another seriously injured in the Corio shed fire tragedy. Picture: 7 News

The arson and explosive squad is rigorously probing the circumstances that led to the tragic death of three young children in a shed fire in Corio.

The trio died of horrific injuries after the inside of the metal shed at the rear of a house allegedly burst into flames with four siblings inside.

How the children – Isaac, 5, Saige, 3 and Ashlynn McGregor, 1 – came to be in the Officer Court shed and in possession of at least one cigarette lighter is believed to be being investigated by the specialist Melbourne detectives.

The shed four siblings were inside when a fire broke out, killing three of them. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Crosling

Mother Jasmine Beck, 26, was home at the time and believed to be inside the main residence when tragedy struck, on October 22.

Her daughter, Mavis McGregor, 6, survived the blaze and is still recovering in the Royal Children’s Hospital.

Arson squad detectives continue to travel to and from Geelong in an attempt to answer how the devastating tragedy unfolded.

Corio fire survivor Mavis McGregor, (left) and deceased siblings Saige, Ashlynn and Isaac McGregor. Picture: Supplied

Initial reports suggest Ms Beck smelt smoke at about 10.30am before walking out to the backyard to find the small shed in flames.

It’s believed a burning couch may have been blocking the access to its doorway.

The young mother is said to have then pushed past it and carried her kids out onto the lawn.

The burnt remains of a sofa after a fire at Officer Court, Corio. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

Tragically, Ashlynn and Saige died in the backyard, with Isaac succumbing to his injuries in hospital days later.

The remains of a charred couch could be seen next to a clothesline in the aftermath.

A Victorian Police spokeswoman said the investigation remained ongoing.

[e-mail]

Originally published as Corio fire tragedy: Arson squad still investigating nightmare fire that killed three children