Sole survivor spoken to by cops after horror fatal house fire in Gladstone

A woman believed to have survived a house fire that killed three people has been released from hospital and interviewed by police.

Jordana Johnson, 36, her son Jordan and his friend Chazz were found dead after a fire broke out at a two-storey house on Whiting St in Toolooa, near Gladstone, just before 6am on Wednesday.

It was reported that the children were having a sleepover when the fire broke out.

While the crime scene is being investigated at the house, the police have not yet determined the cause of the fire.

“We don’t have any real answers as to how the fire started,” Detective Acting Inspector Luke Peachey told reporters on Thursday.

There were no reports of domestic or family violence.

“At this stage there has been nothing to indicate this is a domestic violence issue,” he said.

Police understand that a fourth person was in the house at the time of the fire and managed to flee the scene shortly after the fire ignited the house, killing the other three people inside.

The woman was taken to hospital with minor burns and was later discharged.

Inspector Peachey said they were investigating the movements of the fourth man.

“We located that person and spoke to that person,” he said.

“Investigations into this are currently ongoing.”

He confirmed that the woman was known to the victims. No charges were made.

Inspector Peachey said recovering the victims’ remains would be a “challenge” and would require assistance from Brisbane.

“It’s going to be a struggle,” he said.

“We will need to get heavy earth equipment to remove the roof of this, and that will happen this afternoon.”

He said a group of people tried to enter the house during the fire, causing chaos for rescue teams.

“Several people were trying their best (to save the trio),” he said.

“Unfortunately, these three people lost their lives through no one else’s fault.”

Police said a second crime scene was established near Trevally Street as part of the ongoing investigation.

Inspector Peachey said a burnt-out car was found in a nearby street and police were investigating whether the two incidents were linked.

“We have received information that there may be a connection between that house and the actual crime scene,” he said.

“Obviously, a burned-out car next to a burned-out house is going to raise some suspicions.”

Inspector Peachey said more information would become available in the coming days.

“Obviously the fire scene is very scary for the first responders and everyone involved, and it’s going to take some time to get over it,” he said.

“Incident command has been initiated and will be established to find out what really happened there, how these three people met their deaths.”

Anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.