The two children killed in a devastating house fire west of Sydney have been identified.
Myla Summer-Lea Hughes, 10, and three-year-old River William Higgins died when a fire ripped through their Lieutenant Bowen Rd home at Bowen Mountain just after 2am on Monday.
Their father, David Higgins, and three other children managed to escape the blaze, however Myla and River never made it out.
NSW Police Superintendent Nadine Roberts said the family was due to move to Queensland on the day of the fire, with the children’s mother, Skye Hughes, already on her way interstate with another of their children when the fire broke out.
The father and the three children who escaped the inferno were taken to the Nepean Hospital in Penrith for smoke inhalation and minor burns, with the blaze deemed under control about 3.30am.
A GoFundMe started to help support the family has raised over $40,000 in three days.
“These precious lives were deeply loved, and this unimaginable tragedy has left the family facing profound grief, trauma and overwhelming loss,” fundraiser organiser and family friend Natasha Holden said.
Holden said the family was preparing to reunite in Queensland to “begin a new chapter together in their new home” before the deadly fire.
“The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude for the extraordinary support already shown by first responders, hospital staff, friends, extended family, and the broader community,” Holden said.
“Every donation, regardless of size, will directly assist the family as they navigate unimaginable heartbreak and begin the long journey toward healing and rebuilding.”
The blaze completely gutted the home and there was severe structural damage to the property, including a collapsed roof.
Rural Fire Service Superintendent Jonathon Hill said neighbours had tried to save the other children before help arrived but the fire was too intense.
The decision firefighters made to not enter the home was difficult, he said.
“As firefighters its our job to protect the community and that decision for anybody to make is incredibly tough.”
Police continue to investigate the cause of the fire, with a report being prepared for the coroner.
Whether or not working smoke alarms were used inside the home will also form part of the investigation.
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