The two children tragically killed in a devastating house fire west of Sydney have been identified as 10-year-old Myla Summer-Lea Hughes and three-year-old River William Higgins. The fire ripped through their family home on Lieutenant Bowen Road at Bowen Mountain just after 2am on Monday.
Their father, David Higgins, along with three other children, managed to escape the blaze, but Myla and River were unable to get out in time.
Family Preparing to Move to Queensland
NSW Police Superintendent Nadine Roberts revealed that the family was scheduled to move to Queensland on the very day of the fire. The children's mother, Skye Hughes, was already traveling interstate with another child when the fire broke out.
The father and the three children who escaped the inferno were taken to Nepean Hospital in Penrith for treatment of smoke inhalation and minor burns. The fire was deemed under control by approximately 3:30am.
Community Support Through GoFundMe
A GoFundMe campaign launched to support the grieving family has raised over $40,000 in just three days. The fundraiser was organized by family friend Natasha Holden, who described the tragedy as unimaginable.
"These precious lives were deeply loved, and this unimaginable tragedy has left the family facing profound grief, trauma and overwhelming loss," Holden said. She added that the family had been preparing to reunite in Queensland to "begin a new chapter together in their new home" before the deadly fire struck.
The family expressed their deepest gratitude for the extraordinary support shown by first responders, hospital staff, friends, extended family, and the broader community. Every donation, regardless of size, will directly assist the family as they navigate unimaginable heartbreak and begin the long journey toward healing and rebuilding.
Firefighters' Difficult Decision
The fire completely gutted the home, causing severe structural damage including a collapsed roof. Rural Fire Service Superintendent Jonathon Hill said that neighbours had attempted to save the children before emergency services arrived, but the fire was too intense.
Hill acknowledged the difficult decision firefighters faced not to enter the home. "As firefighters, it's our job to protect the community, and that decision for anybody to make is incredibly tough," he said.
Investigation Underway
Police continue to investigate the cause of the fire, with a report being prepared for the coroner. The investigation will also examine whether working smoke alarms were present in the home at the time of the fire.
