A man died and two people were left in critical condition following a suspected arson attack that destroyed a home on the Gold Coast.
Firefighters responded to a blaze at a two-storey residence on Sickle Avenue in Hope Island around 11:35 p.m. on Tuesday. Upon arrival, five crews found the house fully engulfed in flames.
Paramedics assessed a 38-year-old man, who was pronounced dead at the scene. Two other men, aged 44 and 84, were transported to Royal Brisbane Hospital in critical condition with extensive burns to their head, chest, back, arms, and legs. A 59-year-old woman was taken to Gold Coast University Hospital with stable but serious injuries to her back, hip, and legs.
Another 38-year-old man was evacuated from the home without sustaining injuries. The fire, which caused extensive damage and partial collapse of one side of the building, was brought under control within an hour.
Queensland Police have declared a crime scene and are investigating the circumstances surrounding the fire, which is being treated as suspected arson. Detectives were expected at the property on Wednesday. Authorities are appealing for any witnesses or individuals with relevant CCTV, dashcam, or other vision from the area around the time of the incident to come forward.
