"6 beautiful souls": Family break silence after tragic house fire
The family of a man and five children who tragically died in a house fire have broken their silence after the devastating incident.
On Saturday, Wayne Godinet and his five children, aged three to 11, were found dead after a home on Russell Island, southeast of Brisbane, went up in flames.
Emergency services were called after the house caught fire, and spread to two neighbouring homes.
The children’s mother Samantha Stephenson, 28, and a 21-year-old female relative were able to escape the property after it was engulfed in flames.
Relative Emma-Lee Headrick took to social media on Monday to mourn the loss of Mr Godinet and her “beautiful” nephews.
“I stayed awake, mourning the loss of 6 beautiful souls. Waynie boy and my nephews,” Ms Headrick wrote.
“We have suffered a great loss. I find comfort in knowing you rest peacefully in the arms of the Lord.”
“With Grumpy and Nicky. To my whanau in Queensland, I feel your pain and aroha. I’ll be there soon.”
Another relative, Dawn Williamson, wrote on Facebook on Sunday that the family were in shock and thanked first responders for their efforts.
“We would like to thank everyone including the ambulance, police, firefighters, SES and all others that were in attendance at the fire,” she said.
“A special thanks to Kylie Purtell and Peter Mac, but also to those that offered food, drinks, hugs and help.”
“My family are in shock and devastated, and we kindly ask that you respect our privacy until we regroup as a family.”
“We will update as we sort through this tragedy. We appreciate the kindness shown by all.”
Queensland Police Regional Crime Co-ordinator Superintendent Andrew Massingham said police had not determined if the fire was suspicious, as they continue their investigation.
“The establishment of the investigation centre is because there are some elements of this incident that do require closer scrutiny,” he said.
“It‘s important that I tell you that we are keeping an open mind with respect to this matter.”
“And, as I say, no determination has been made, but there are some aspects of it that require further investigation.”
Image credits: Facebook / ABC news