2 Young Sisters Die Days After Escaping Fire That Fully Engulfed Family Home in Australia
Two young sisters have died in hospital days after escaping a devastating house fire that fully engulfed their family home in Queensland, Australia, authorities confirmed.
Queensland Police said the deadly blaze broke out around 5:30 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 1, at a home on Gum Court in Townsville. Emergency crews responded to reports that the property was completely alight.
According to police, two teenage boys managed to escape the fire, while emergency responders were able to rescue a 2-year-old girl and a 13-year-old girl from inside the burning home.
The girls were later identified as Hallie, 2, and Evie, 13, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), news.com.au and 9NEWS.
Sisters Succumb to Injuries in Hospital
Both sisters were rushed to Townsville University Hospital in critical condition after suffering severe breathing difficulties caused by smoke inhalation. Despite medical efforts, police confirmed on Friday, Feb. 6, that the girls died on Thursday.
The teenage boys who escaped were also treated at the hospital for smoke inhalation injuries, ABC reported.
Authorities stated that the cause of the fire remains under investigation but emphasized that the incident is not being treated as suspicious.
Family and Community in Mourning
“There are no words to describe the pain being experienced by the girls’ parents, Karah and Zac,” a statement released by the Townsville Hospital and Health Service on behalf of the family read, according to ABC and a GoFundMe page set up to support them.
“Both parents would like to thank friends, extended family and the wider community for the care, compassion and support shown during this incredibly difficult time,” the statement continued.
“As the family grieves and supports their other children and loved ones, they kindly ask that their privacy is respected.”
A family spokesperson shared earlier this week that Karah, the girls’ mother, works as a nurse at Townsville University Hospital and is a devoted single mother of four.
“She has spent her career caring for others and is now facing unimaginable heartbreak, while also having lost her family home,” the spokesperson said. “The emotional, physical and financial strain on her and the wider family is overwhelming.”
PEOPLE has contacted the Queensland Police Service and Townsville Hospital and Health Service for additional comment.