Jordana Johnson, 36, and her 12-year-old son Jordan Norris perished when flames tore through their Whiting Street home in the suburb of Toolooa at around 5.56am on Wednesday. Jordan’s friend, 12-year-old Chazz Mather, who was visiting for a sleepover, also died in the blaze.
Neighbours alerted emergency services after hearing what sounded like thunder crackling through the street. Queensland Fire and Emergency sent six crews to tackle the two-storey house fire, which partially collapsed before being brought under control at 7.20am.
“We had the first floor collapse to ground floor within about 10 to 15 minutes of our arrival due to the intensity of the fire,” Gladstone station officer Mark Erridge said. Firefighters later discovered the three victims’ bodies.
Neighbour Scott Graves described the fire as “extremely hot and intense” and said he attempted to fight the flames with a garden hose.
“You could see the flames fully inside the house coming out, and flames underneath.”
Gladstone Mayor Matt Burnett called the tragedy “absolutely heartbreaking and terrible.”
“These people have been in our community for generations, and we certainly want to make sure that they know they are in our thoughts and prayers right now.”
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli expressed his condolences, saying,
“My heart really goes out to the family, neighbours and first responders, and any support needed I’m sure it’ll be given.”
Police have established a second crime scene on Trevally Street, though its connection to the fire is not yet clear. Capricornia Detective Acting Superintendent Luke Peachey said investigations would take several days. “The fire scene is very horrific … and it will take some time to go through,” he said.
Community tributes have poured in online, with residents expressing shock and grief over the deaths. Police are appealing for anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage from the area to assist with the investigation.
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