Supercars driver Declan Fraser ‘lost everything’ in Gold Coast fire
Supercars driver Declan Fraser has lost all his possessions, including prized trophies, after the Gold Coast house he was living in was gutted by fire while he was in Bathurst.
QLD News
Don't miss out on the headlines from QLD News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Supercars insiders have confirmed driver Declan Fraser has “lost everything” while driving at Bathurst, after the Gold Coast house he was living in was gutted by fire.
The 24-year-old, currently competing in the iconic Supercars race at Mount Panorama in New South Wales, had been living at the Hope Island home since relocating to the Gold Coast.
The sprawling five-bedroom home on Boykambil Esplanade North went up in flames just before midday Saturday, with the occupants scrambling to safety before calling Triple 0.
The property was destroyed in distressing scenes, onlookers describing it as “absolutely frightening”.
Code sports Supercars reporters quoted commentator Neil Crompton on Sunday, who revealed Mr Fraser lost all his possessions, including all his prized trophies.
“Yesterday when Andre Heimgartner was doing his shootout, on the Gold Coast Declan’s house was burning down – quite literally – so he’s lost everything,” Mr Crompton said.
“His dad spoke to me this morning … all of his trophies are gone, he’s asked how we might be able to be in a position to buy or replicate them. He hasn’t even got clothes.”
A day on from the tragic house inferno only a frame and ashes remain.
Firefighters managed to save the two adjoining properties, but sadly nothing remained of the sprawling five-bedroom home.
One user posted to Facebook: “That is so sad, imagine all the irreplaceable items. It’s heartbreaking.”
“Disaster day trippers” had earlier been slammed for impeding rescue crews rushing to the scene of the house fire at one of the Gold Coast’s most exclusive suburbs.
Fire and ambulance crews rushed to the scene, but were delayed by “rubberneckers” who had choked nearby roads to stop and take photos and videos.
Fire crews took almost two hours to contain the blaze which virtually destroyed the waterfront home, which sold last year to an investment company for more than $1.8 million.
The three occupants of the home were treated for minor injuries at the scene, but none were transported to hospital.
However, some were quick to point out the delays faced by emergency responders due to traffic clogging the area.
“Emergency services are being delayed by idiots rubbernecking across Hope Island bridge,” wrote Michael Feighan on the Hope Island News & Crime and Community Facebook page.
“(They) continue to impede emergency services vehicles out sightseeing.
“Hopefully no one is injured.”
“Have a look at the photos people are putting up … can’t believe they aren’t embarrassed for their own behaviour,” wrote Bobby Cheetham on the same Facebook page.
“Stood outside someone’s burning house ‘oooh I better take a photo for those Facebook likes’.”
A Queensland Fire Department spokesman confirmed there were a number of people creating potential hazards for rescue crews on their way to the scene.
“There were a number of people in the area at the time of the incident, creating a need for responding crews to exercise additional caution en route to ensure community safety,” the spokesman said in a statement.
“Our crews require the assistance of the public when responding to emergencies.
“If you see a fire truck – or any emergency vehicle – coming toward you with lights and sirens activated it is vital that you move out of the way as soon as possible to ensure our crews have clear and unimpeded access to the emergency they are attending.”
The Fire Investigation Unit is probing the cause of the blaze.
Originally published as Supercars driver Declan Fraser ‘lost everything’ in Gold Coast fire
Dude, where’s my electorate? Young candidate’s awkward blunder
A budding politician fighting to oust Health Minister Shannon Fentiman from a relatively safe seat hasn’t done himself any favours after this slip up. THIS IS GEORGE ST BEAT
Vote now: Which reader question should be put to the leaders?
Steven Miles and David Crisafulli are being put under the pump by Courier-Mail subscribers this election. It’s time to vote on which question is asked to the leaders.