Arabic version: انتهاء التحقيق الجنائي في حريق منزل أدى إلى وفاة طفل صغير
According to ABC News,
The Northern Territory coroner has concluded hearings regarding the tragic death of three-year-old Mitchell Thomas, who died of smoke inhalation during a fire at a public housing property in Alice Springs. The inquest revealed significant maintenance failures by the NT Department of Housing, raising concerns about public housing safety standards.
During the final days of the inquest, officials from the housing department and NT WorkSafe provided evidence on issues related to maintenance, record-keeping, and electrical safety regulations in public housing. Mitchell’s family expressed hopes that the inquest would lead to necessary changes in safety protocols.
The fire, which occurred on June 1, 2023, started in the roof of a public housing property in Larapinta while Mitchell was under the care of his 16-year-old uncle. Despite efforts from neighbors and police, Mitchell was found non-responsive and could not be revived. The inquest previously identified “faulty or failing electrical wiring” as a possible cause of the fire.
In the aftermath of Mitchell’s death, the NT government conducted an audit of public housing built in the late 1980s. This audit revealed that 21 percent of properties assessed had one or more expired smoke detectors, with the detector in Mitchell’s home not being replaced since the family moved in 2010. NT WorkSafe officials admitted during the inquest that they did not conduct a detailed investigation into the blaze, as their role primarily involves electrical safety regulation.
In closing submissions, counsel assisting the coroner indicated that the fire was likely caused by “electrical arcing” due to degradation of the insulation around two adjacent wires. The audit also uncovered major electrical faults in public housing that posed immediate safety risks. Coroner Elisabeth Armitage expressed condolences to Mitchell’s family and emphasized the importance of implementing positive changes in public housing as a result of the inquest.
Mitchell’s family remains hopeful that the findings will prompt necessary reforms to enhance safety standards in public housing across the Northern Territory.
