Man, three children found dead at duplex fire in Emerald, police declare crime scene

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Four bodies, including three children, have been found in the ruins of a fire at a duplex in Emerald, inland from Rockhampton.

The Central Queensland duplex was fully engulfed when Queensland Fire Department crews arrived about 6.50am on Thursday.

The fire spread from one home to the roof space of another, but was contained by fire crews about 1.30pm.

Authorities were also responding to reports of missing people.

Four bodies were then found, and police declared a crime scene.

Multiple paramedic and fire crews were at the scene, and investigations were ongoing into the cause of the fire.

It was “incredibly sad to see the loss of four lives”, Premier David Crisafulli said on Thursday morning.

The tragedy would ripple through the community, Crisafulli said.

“When you deal with smaller towns, there is no doubt that those connections will be felt and the loss will be felt so deeply,” the Premier told reporters.

“I want to express my deepest sympathies to the family but also to the neighbours and the emergency services involved.

“This is an incredible tragedy, and it is the kind of event that rocks all communities, particularly smaller ones.”

Crisafulli said Gregory MP Sean Dillion was on his way to Emerald.

In an online statement, Dillion said he was “ready to assist in any way required”.

“My heart goes out to the family and friends of those who have tragically lost their lives in the Emerald house fire today,” he said.

Central Highlands Regional Council also offered its condolences to the community.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic fire that occurred early this morning in Emerald,” it said.

“Council understands that authorities are investigating the cause of the fire, and we offer our full support and cooperation to responding agencies.

“On behalf of the Central Highlands Regional Council and the broader community, our thoughts extend to the family and friends of those impacted.”

The fire comes just weeks after a woman was charged with murder over the deaths of a mother, Jordana Johnson, and two young boys, who died in a Gladstone house blaze.

The fire rocked the community, as it was revealed the boys, 12-year-old Jordan Norris and his 13-year-old friend Chazz Mather were at a sleepover.

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