Mum under investigation for allegedly dousing her children in petrol and setting them alight in Toowoomba house fire
A mother is under investigation for allegedly dousing her children in petrol as they slept before setting them alight in a horror Queensland house fire.
Six people managed to escape the home on Merritt Street in Toowoomba, west of Brisbane, when it went up in flames at about 12.30am on Wednesday.
Ellouisa Brighton Gibson, 36, is in a critical condition and under police guard in Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital.
Gibson’s nine-year-old son died in the blaze – his body found after it was extinguished – while her two daughters, aged four and seven, were rescued but later died of their injuries.
The three deceased children had all been sleeping in the same bedroom.
Gibson’s 34-year-old partner escaped with minor injuries along with two other children.
Police have said they are treating the fire as suspicious.
Sources familiar with the investigation said petrol was found at the front of the home, according to The Australian.
Ellouisa Brighton Gibson (pictured) is under investigation for allegedly dousing her children in petrol as they slept and setting them alight in a horror Queensland house fire
Gibson, 36, is in a critical condition and under police guard in Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital
Six people managed to escape the home (pictured) on Merritt Street in Harristown, Toowoomba, when it went up in flames at about 12.30am on Wednesday
One of the surviving children also allegedly told police they witnessed Gibson ‘(allegedly) pouring petrol over the children and setting them on fire’.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Queensland Police for comment.
Police said on Thursday they had not yet been able to interview Gibson due to her condition, but they believed she would survive.
‘We do know she will be in hospital for an extensive period of time,’ Detective Superintendent George Marchesini said at a press conference.
‘Obviously we want to talk to all those persons that were present, we’ve already undertaken that with some of the people that were at the house and have been released from hospital.
‘Part of our investigation is talking to all people – that will include the 36-year-old woman.’
Mr Marchesini said police had previously dealt with the family but wouldn’t give further details.
‘It certainly wasn’t a premises that police were regularly attending,’ he said.
Queensland Police (pictured at the property) have said they are treating the fire as suspicious
Police have interviewed neighbours and issued an appeal for information as their investigation continues.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli said the community was ‘reeling’ after the tragedy, which he described as ‘unfathomable and horrific’.
‘We send our thoughts and prayers to the people of Toowoomba and thank neighbours and first responders who rushed to help,’ Mr Crisafulli said.
‘A full and thorough investigation into this tragedy must take place, and we’ll ensure it does.’
