In the early hours of the morning, firefighters were dispatched to a blazing inferno on Opal Street in Emerald. The call came in around 6:48 a.m. local time, or 7:48 a.m. AEDT, as the property was being consumed by flames.

Upon arrival, emergency responders faced a grim discovery. After the fire was brought under control by four firetrucks, a tragic scene unfolded. Inside the charred remnants of the home, four bodies were found, prompting authorities to declare the site a crime scene.

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli addressed the media, expressing his deep sorrow over the event. He solemnly described the occurrence as a “real tragedy,” underscoring the profound impact on the community.

An investigation into the cause of the fire is under way.

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli described the incident as a “real tragedy” while addressing the media.

“I just want to start by saying how incredibly sad it is to see the loss of four lives in that tragic house fire, and how much that will affect the local 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 connections of school and support, community groups, emergency services personnel… and the tragedy that it will ripple through that community.”

Crisafulli also expressed sympathy for the families of the victims and the neighbours who witnessed the blaze.

“On behalf of the government, I express my deepest sympathies for what is an incredibly harrowing experience,” he said.