Arabic version: توحيد المجتمع بعد الوفيات المأساوية في حريق جبل بوين

The parents of two children who lost their lives in a Bowen Mountain house fire have publicly expressed their gratitude to first responders and the local community for their support. Ten-year-old Myla Summer-Lea Hughes and three-year-old River William Higgins are being remembered by family and friends as “precious” and “deeply loved”. According to ABC News, the parents described their loss as “devastating”.

Emergency services responded to the fire at Lieutenant Bowen Road early on Monday at 2am, where the house sustained extensive damage. Fortunately, the father and three other children managed to escape, but Myla and River tragically did not survive. Their bodies were found at the scene on Monday morning.

In a heartfelt statement, parents Skye Hughes and David Higgins reflected on how their “family’s world has been forever changed”. They acknowledged the overwhelming support from the community, stating, “This tragedy has forever changed our family, but the extraordinary support of our community has reminded us that we do not stand alone.”

The family had plans to move to Queensland for a new beginning, with Ms. Hughes and one of their other children already interstate at the time of the fire. The parents noted that this reality makes their loss even more heartbreaking for all who knew and loved the children.

Investigations into the fire’s cause are ongoing, with police indicating that it is not believed to be suspicious. Hawkesbury Police Area Command’s Superintendent Nadine Roberts expressed condolences, stating, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families, the siblings, and with the broader community. It’s an incredibly confronting situation.”