An inquest into a tragic house fire in south-east Queensland in 2017 has begun, shedding light on the events that led to the death of a young boy and serious injuries to his brother. During the proceedings, it was revealed that the boys' father, who was at home during the fire, displayed a shocking indifference to the safety of his children. Responding police found him in the shower smoking a cigarette rather than seeking help for his severely injured children.

The incident left a lasting mark on the local community, raising questions about parental responsibilities and the circumstances surrounding the tragic event. The older of the two brothers succumbed to his injuries shortly after the fire, having sustained burns covering 95 percent of his body, while the younger brother also suffered significant injuries. As the inquest continues, it is expected that further testimonies will provide a clearer understanding of the events and the father’s actions during this horrific incident.

This ongoing case not only evokes deep emotional responses from the community but also highlights the importance of understanding the dynamics of family crises and the need for proactive measures to protect children in danger. The inquest aims to uncover detailed information that may be crucial for preventing such tragedies in the future, as well as addressing the failures that led to this heartbreaking outcome.