An eight-year-old girl has died and a woman in her 30s is unaccounted for after flames tore through a row of townhouses east of Brisbane this morning.
Emergency services were called to Bayside Court in Thorneside about 7.15am to find two units well alight.
Thick smoke was seen billowing from the multi-storey property, where the roof has collapsed and surrounding buildings are charred.
Queensland Police Service Chief Inspector Karl Hahne said the units were “burning very hot” and multiple efforts were made by first responders and neighbours to enter the premises.
“It’s a confronting scene for all emergency services, and I’m quite sure for the residents and our hearts go out to the families affected by this,” Hahne said.
“For the next few hours and even the next couple of days, this scene will be an ongoing investigation.”
A man was also taken to hospital for smoke inhalation.
“A search is still being conducted for one unaccounted for patient,” paramedics said.
