A one-year-old girl died in a house fire during her sister’s fifth birthday party in Rokesby, Tasmania, as a fundraiser was launched to help the family who have “lost everything”
A young girl died in a horrific house fire during her sister’s fifth birthday party, in which several others were also seriously hurt.
Fire crews and police rushed to the home on Sunday when it burst into flames. The house was “fully alight” by the time emergency services arrived, with many people still trapped inside.
Tragically, a one-year-old girl, named locally as Harlyn, was found dead inside. Another child, the victim’s five-year-old sister who was celebrating her birthday, and an adult were rushed to hospital with serious injuries.
The blaze broke out in the home in Rokeby, Tasmania, at around 9am. A spokesman for Tasmania Police said: “Tragically an infant has died and another has sustained serious injuries in a structure fire at Rokeby this morning.
“Police and emergency services were called to the fire on Benboyd Circle, shortly after 9.00am. The house was fully alight when police and Tasmania Fire Service crews arrived.
“Sadly, an infant was found deceased inside the residence, and another young child and an adult were taken to the Royal Hobart Hospital with serious injuries. Three other children were also taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
“TFS fire investigators will conduct an investigation to determine the cause of the fire and police will prepare a report for the Coroner. Our thoughts and condolences are with everyone affected.”
In the wake of the tragedy, family friend Tenille Siely launched an online fundraiser for the family affected by the flames. It has so far raised $14,000 (£7,000).
She wrote online: “Saying this day has been hard is an understatement, one beautiful baby girl has lost her life and her sister is fighting to survive in hospital on her fifth birthday today due to a horrible house fire. 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.”
The fundraiser said: “I’m raising funds for funeral costs and furniture, clothes etc. for my best friend and family effected [sic] in the devastating fire in Rokeby where her little girl Harlyn has lost her life and her older sister Jordan is fighting for her life in hospital on her 5th birthday today.
“The house and all contents where the Aunty and her two boys lived is completely gone and they have nothing left, we are asking for donations no matter how big or small to help this broken and grieving family, thank you.”