The Incident
On the evening of Wednesday, May 21, 2025, emergency services responded to a significant house fire on Terrigal Street in Chadstone, Melbourne’s southeast. Firefighters arrived promptly to find the two-storey townhouse engulfed in flames. Inside, they discovered a 37-year-old woman and her two primary school-aged daughters unconscious in an upstairs bedroom. The trio suffered severe burns and smoke inhalation. The girls were transported to The Royal Children’s Hospital, while the mother was taken to The Alfred Hospital.
Firefighting Efforts
Fire Rescue Victoria Commander Paul Eckholdt reported that firefighters faced extreme conditions, including temperatures nearing 500°C and poor visibility. Despite the dangers, they managed to rescue the family just minutes before potential fatalities. An explosion was also reported within the burning structure.
Investigation
Victoria Police are treating the fire as suspicious. The 36-year-old male occupant was away from home at the time, assisted police with their inquiries and has been ruled out as a suspect. Authorities have established a crime scene, and an arson chemist is analyzing the site.
Incident Summary
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at approximately 9:40 PM |
| Location | Terrigal Street, Chadstone, Melbourne |
| Victims | 37-year-old woman and two primary school-aged girls |
| Condition | All in critical condition due to burns and inhalation |
| Fire Conditions | Temperatures up to 500°C, poor visibility, explosion |
| Investigation Status | Suspicious fire; male occupant ruled out as a suspect |
| Authorities Involved | Victoria Police, Fire Rescue Victoria |
Public Appeal
Authorities urge anyone with information, CCTV, or dashcam footage related to the incident to contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
Sources:
- ABC News, “Three people, including two children, critically injured in suspicious Chadstone house fire”
- 9News, “Man ruled out as suspect in house blaze as children, mother fight for life”
- The Sydney Morning Herald, “‘No cries for help’: Gas bottle behind suspicious explosion that left mother, two girls fighting for life”
- Victoria Police, statement on the Chadstone fire
Photo: S5A-0043, cropped, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Illustrative: a Fire Rescue Victoria pumper in Melbourne, December 2025; not at the Chadstone fire.
