A baby has died in a house fire that injured three other children and one adult over the weekend.
Emergency services rushed to the home on Benboyd Circle in Rokeby, eastern Hobart, following reports of a house fire at about 9am on Sunday.
‘The house was fully alight when police and Tasmania Fire Service crews arrived,’ Tasmania Police said in a statement.
Tragically, one-year-old Harlyn was found deceased inside the property, while five-year-old Jordan remains in critical condition at the Royal Hobart Hospital.
An adult was taken to the hospital with serious arm lacerations, while three children were also hospitalised with non-life-threatening injuries.
‘Our thoughts and condolences are with everyone affected,’ police said.
Tenille Siely, a close family friend, said the victim’s aunt was trying to rescue the six children trapped inside as the flames consumed the property.
‘Saying this day has been hard is an understatement,’ she said online.
‘One beautiful baby girl has lost her life and her sister is fighting to survive in hospital on her 5th birthday today due to a horrible house fire.’
Ms Siely has since launched a GoFundMe to help support the grieving family that has raised more than $8,000 of its $50,000 goal.
‘The house has been absolutely destroyed and the Aunty of the two beautiful girls, whom is also in hospital from sustaining major lacerations trying to save the lives of six children inside, has lost all her house contents,’ Ms Siely said on the fundraiser.
Witnesses reportedly heard windows exploding and people screaming.
Tasmania Fire Service will investigate the cause of the fire.
Police will prepare a report for the Coroner.
