UPDATE: A 37-year-old woman has been charged with attempted murder after a devastating house fire in Chadstone, Victoria, left her and two young girls critically injured. This shocking incident unfolded on May 21, and the woman faced the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court today, where she did not apply for bail.
The woman, along with two girls aged 7 and 8, was found unconscious in an upstairs bedroom of their smoke-filled home. Emergency responders from Fire Rescue Victoria described the rescue as “difficult,” with the blaze severely damaging the two-storey townhouse and leading to the collapse of part of its structure. At the time of the fire, investigators revealed that a gas cylinder explosion was suspected to have ignited the flames.
The court heard that the woman suffered injuries to her finger and throat. Her attorney indicated this is her first time in custody. The girls were hospitalized in critical condition, prompting widespread concern for their wellbeing.
A fourth occupant, a 36-year-old man, was not present during the blaze, raising questions about the circumstances leading up to the fire. The woman is scheduled to return to court on November 21 for further proceedings.
As authorities continue to investigate the incident, the community is left reeling, grappling with the gravity of this tragic event. The impact of this fire not only affects those directly involved but resonates throughout the Chadstone area.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
