Homicide Squad arrives at Queensland caravan blast site; debris from explosion found far away

A caravan explosion in northwest Queensland on Tuesday has largely affected the mining community, with debris from the caravan found up to 60 metres away. It has been reported that the caravan explosion, caused by the explosion of two glass bottles, claimed the lives of 39-year-old Charlie Hinder and his two children, River and Nyobi, aged 4 and 7.

The homicide squad arrived at the scene in Mount Isa today and will start working with scientific and child protection investigating officers from Townsville. Local police will also assist them in their investigations.

Inspector Kelly Harvey said that collecting all the pieces of the caravan would be time consuming as some were found more than 50 metres away from the scene of the blast. As a result of thorough investigation, some pieces of the caravan were found to be even further away, she added.

However, Ms Harvey refused to comment on the reasons behind the occurrence, believing that it is “too early” to say anything. She felt that the assistance of experienced Homicide Squad officers, who are liable to investigate any death across Queensland, would be very effective in this case.

Superintendent Russell Miller reported from the crime scene that the blast destroyed the caravan totally. He added that the explosion was so loud that it was heard across the city, and that he knew straight away that it wasn’t from a mining accident. People living nearby reported similar experiences. According to the ABC , Miller also refused to comment on the situation as the nature of the scene was very difficult and beyond speculation.

On Wednesday morning, he further confirmed that 15 nearby residents couldn’t return home last night as the area was still cordoned off by the police. The degree of the blast was so high that it blew out some windows from houses far away, he added.

The Mount Isa and Queensland governments have extended their help, and Mount Isa Mayor Tony Mcgrady will return from a Brisbane summit. Minister Jo-Ann Miller, who reached the crime scene on Tuesday morning, praised the community for being strong and the police and emergency services for their immediate response. “It has been so heartening to see everyone in Mount Isa rally together to help out and support each other," she said.

Meanwhile, arrangements have been made to ensure police and emergency services who have been exposed to trauma get the support they need.

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