Queensland police seek interstate child safety records after Toowoomba house fire that killed three children
Queensland detectives have requested records from interstate child safety authorities as part of investigations into a deadly Toowoomba house fire that killed three children, according to police sources.
Ellouisa Brighton Gibson, 36, remains under police guard in the Brisbane Royal Women's Hospital after the fire at Merritt Street in Harristown last week.
Her nine-year-old son was killed in the blaze, and her two daughters, aged four and seven, later died in hospital after suffering critical injuries.
A 34-year-old man, an 18-year-old man and an 11-year-old boy who escaped from the fire have since been released from hospital.
Police sources have told the ABC the incident was "out of the blue" and the family was not known to local officers and had no contact with child safety authorities.
It is understood the family was known to child safety authorities in other states, and those records have been requested as part of the investigation.
Queensland Minister for Child Safety Amanda Camm has asked her department to review its records as well.
"The loss of three lives in Toowoomba is a tragedy and my heart goes out to the family and the community," she said in a statement.
"I have instructed my department to undertake a complete and thorough investigation into this case."
The Queensland Police Service said it would be some time before investigators are able to speak with the woman.
The fire is being treated as suspicious and detectives from the Darling Downs, members of the homicide unit and specialist teams are assisting with the investigation.
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