One woman dies after being trapped in Sunshine Coast unit, another escapes
Updated ,first published
A 21-year-old Moreton Bay woman who died after suffering severe burns in a union fire on the Sunshine Coast has been described as an energetic and devoted young mother, as police continue to investigate whether the fire was set deliberately.
Emergency services were called to reports of a unit in King Street, Buderim, completely engulfed in flames at 7.30pm on Sunday.
Kallangur woman Isabella Nicholls was inside at the time and was unable to escape without suffering severe, life-threatening burns.
A 32-year-old woman known to Nicholls was also inside when the fire broke out, but she managed to escape before the fire grew.
Fire crews extinguished the fire about 1 hour later.
Police said a neighbor treated Nicholls’ burns before he was taken to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital.
He died as a result of his injuries at around 04.30 on Monday.
In a statement on Monday, Nicholls’ family described her as a “devoted and loving mother to her beautiful son” and said they were “absolutely shattered” by her death.
“We wholeheartedly share the devastating loss of our beautiful Isabella Nicholls.
“Despite the incredible efforts of the medical team, our precious daughter passed away surrounded by her loving family at the Royal Women’s Hospital, Brisbane.
“Our family is absolutely shattered by this unimaginable loss and the heartbreak is too great for words.
“Isabella was a vibrant, kind and beautiful soul who had her whole life ahead of her. She had a smile that could light up any room and an infectious laugh that none of us will ever forget.”
Robert Lowry, of the Sunshine Coast’s Criminal Investigation Branch, said a crime scene was located at the unit on Monday.
“This scene was extremely challenging for all emergency services involved,” he said.
“I share the grief of the family of the deceased lady and understand that the family also receives support.”
Lowry said the investigation is in its early stages but police are speaking to people assisting with the investigation.
After the fire broke out, people living in neighboring units were evacuated but later returned to their homes.
His family has set up a gofundme page to help cover funeral and memorial service expenses.
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