Ellouisa Brighton Gibson charged with murder after Toowoomba house fire that killed three childrenDBy David ChenTopic:House Fires2h ago2 hours agoTue 13 May 2025 at 2:27amThe family was known to child safety authorities interstate. (Supplied)abc.net.au/news/mother-charged-with-murder-fatal-toowoomba-house-fire-children/105286096Link copiedShareShare articlePolice have charged a 36-year-old woman with murder following a deadly house fire in Toowoomba that killed her three children.Ellouisa Brighton Gibson, 36, remains in hospital in a critical condition after the fire at Merritt Street in Harristown last week.Her nine-year-old son was killed in the blaze, and her two daughters, aged four and seven, later died in hospital after suffering critical injuries.A 34-year-old man, an 18-year-old man and an 11-year-old boy who escaped from the fire have since been released from hospital. Following an extensive investigation, police have charged Ms Gibson with three counts of murder, three counts of attempted murder and one count of arson.The matter was mentioned in the Brisbane Magistrates Court and has been adjourned until Friday.Three children died in the house fire on Merritt Street. (ABC News: Aisling Brennan)Records requested from interstate child safety authoritiesQueensland detectives have requested records from interstate child safety authorities as part of investigations into the deadly blaze.Police sources have told the ABC the incident was "out of the blue" and the family was not known to local officers and had no contact with child safety authorities.Police are investigating whether the family was known to child safety authorities in other states, and those records have been requested as part of the investigation.Police sources have told the ABC the incident was "out of the blue". (ABC News: Aisling Brennan)Queensland Minister for Child Safety Amanda Camm has asked her department to review its records as well."The loss of three lives in Toowoomba is a tragedy and my heart goes out to the family and the community," she said in a statement."I have instructed my department to undertake a complete and thorough investigation into this case."Posted 2h ago2 hours agoTue 13 May 2025 at 2:27am, updated 31m ago31 minutes agoTue 13 May 2025 at 4:05amShare optionsCopy linkFacebookX (formerly Twitter)Top Stories'We should all share responsibility': Sussan Ley says of Liberals' election resultLIVEPhoto shows Susan Ley talks while standing behind a lectern. Behind her is an Australian flag.Sussan Ley becomes first woman to lead Liberal PartyTopic:ElectionsPhoto shows Sussan Ley smiles as she walks down a corridor.No matter how he spins it, this is a major capitulation from TrumpAnalysis by Carrington ClarkePhoto shows A close up of Donald Trump's face as he looks over his shoulder with a casual expression.Why the Reserve Bank is wary of rocketing real estate pricesIAnalysis by Ian VerrenderPhoto shows A man walks past two terrace housesGirl in 24/7 care 'so far gone' she may die from sexual exploitationTopic:Child AbusePhoto shows A woman rushing in a hospital corridor.Related storiesMother under police guard after house fire that killed three childrenTopic:FiresPhoto shows House fire HarristownRelated topicsArsonCrimeHarristownHouse FiresToowoombaTop Stories'We should all share responsibility': Sussan Ley says of Liberals' election resultTopic:Government and PoliticsPhoto shows Susan Ley talks while standing behind a lectern. Behind her is an Australian flag.Sussan Ley becomes first woman to lead Liberal PartyTopic:ElectionsNo matter how he spins it, this is a major capitulation from TrumpAnalysis by Carrington ClarkeWhy the Reserve Bank is wary of rocketing real estate pricesIAnalysis by Ian VerrenderGirl in 24/7 care 'so far gone' she may die from sexual exploitationTopic:Child AbuseJust InNeighbours describe bloody scene after unit block stabbingTopic:Stabbings10m ago10 minutes agoTue 13 May 2025 at 4:26amDeadly mushrooms seen near Erin Patterson's town months before lunch, court hearsTopic:Law, Crime and Justice17m ago17 minutes agoTue 13 May 2025 at 4:19amDo you really need a credit card before applying for a home loan? Topic:Explainer21m ago21 minutes agoTue 13 May 2025 at 4:15amAlan Jones evidence 'contradictory' to indecent assault claims, court toldTopic:Courts13m ago13 minutes agoTue 13 May 2025 at 4:23amMore Just InBack to top