A house fire in Brisbane’s south-east has claimed the life of an eight-year-old girl, Raven Contini.
The incident occurred around 7:15am at Bayside Court, following multiple reports of the blaze.
The child was found inside her family’s townhouse after the ferocious fire engulfed the property early on Sunday morning.
Emergency services were called to the scene, while neighbours attempted to battle the flames using garden hoses and buckets of water. Despite their efforts, the fire had already caused devastating damage.
Raven’s parents, Chloe Rodgers-Falk and Matthew Rodgers-Falk, were reportedly interstate in Ballina, New South Wales, at the time of the fire.
They rushed home after learning the heartbreaking news of their daughter’s death.
Raven’s uncle and aunt, Robert Arthur Rodgers-Falk and Christine Mary-Rodgers-Falk, spoke to Nine News.
“Raven was a vibrant child who loved cooking, shopping, and socialising. She was very special, very well-loved… she brightened everyone’s day,” they said.
A woman in her 30s, believed to be the child’s babysitter, remains unaccounted for.
The search for her has been delayed due to the severe damage caused by the collapse of the townhouse’s roof during the inferno.
Police and emergency services have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire.
Redland City Council has also mobilised support for the family and the affected community, with the Red Cross offering assistance on-site.
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