QLD:Mutiple deaths in Brisbane fire

AAP General News (Australia)
08-24-2011
QLD:Mutiple deaths in Brisbane fire

BRISBANE, Aug 24 AAP - Eleven people are believed dead in a fire which has engulfed
a house in Brisbane's south.

Police have found multiple deceased people in the house in Wagensveldt Street at Kingston,
about 30 kilometres south of the city.

It is understood that as many as three Pacific Islander families had been living in the house.

At least one person, but perhaps two, escaped the blaze shortly after midnight and
tried to extinguish the fire.

Logan Police Superintendent Noel Powers told the ABC it was not known how many people had.

"We have got information that one person has made it out but people are very, very
distressed, very, very distraught," he said.

"Unfortunately we have found multiple deceased people inside.

"I am not at liberty to say what sort of ages or sexes or anything at this stage but
quite a significant tragedy is unfolding," Supt Powers said.

He could not confirm how many families lived at the house but "unfortunately we have
got quite a number of people who appear to have died as a result of this fire."

A Department of Community Safety spokeswoman said several cars had caught alight and
there were "multiple" explosions.

"Gas cylinders had to be protected and the house has since collapsed making entering
the premises difficult," the spokeswoman said.

The disaster victim identification squad and specialist forensic officers will assist
with investigations.

Neighbour Deanna Butler said she saw the fire from her window and rang the fire brigade.

"My daughter yelled out fire, fire - I knew it was something serious.

"I knew there was lots of children out in the yard when I've walked past here before,"

she told the ABC.

AAP bwl

KEYWORD: FIRE 2ND UPDATE

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