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Parents share statement in 'darkest hour' after children killed in house fire

From ABC Australia · (10m ago) English Critical tone

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Two children, aged 10 and 3, died in a house fire in Bowen Mountain, NSW.
  • The children's parents released a statement expressing their devastation and gratitude for community support.
  • Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing but are not believed to be suspicious.

The tragedy that struck the Hughes and Higgins families in Bowen Mountain is a stark reminder of the fragility of life. The loss of Myla Summer-Lea Hughes, 10, and River William Higgins, 3, in a devastating house fire has sent shockwaves through the Hawkesbury community.

This tragedy has forever changed our family, but the extraordinary support of our community has reminded us that we do not stand alone.

— Skye Hughes and David HigginsStatement from the parents of the children killed in the fire.

Their parents, Skye Hughes and David Higgins, shared their profound grief, calling it a "devastating loss" that has "forever changed" their family's world. The statement, however, also highlighted the extraordinary support they have received, a testament to the strength and compassion of the Hawkesbury community. This kindness, they said, has carried them through their "darkest hours."

Your kindness has carried us through our darkest hours, and we are profoundly grateful for every act of support.

— Skye Hughes and David HigginsStatement from the parents of the children killed in the fire.

The family was preparing for a new life in Queensland, with the mother and another child already interstate when the blaze occurred. This heartbreaking detail amplifies the unimaginable nature of their loss. While police are continuing their investigations, they have stated that the fire is not believed to be suspicious, offering a small measure of clarity amidst the overwhelming sorrow.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the families, the siblings and with the broader community.

— Nadine RobertsSuperintendent of Hawkesbury Police Area Command commenting on the incident.

This incident, while a private tragedy for the family, has deeply affected the entire region. The outpouring of support from first responders, hospital staff, friends, family, and the wider community underscores the deep bonds within the Hawkesbury area. It's a story that resonates deeply, reminding us of the importance of community in times of immense hardship.

It's an incredibly confronting situation.

— Nadine RobertsSuperintendent of Hawkesbury Police Area Command commenting on the incident.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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