Claire Reid
A devastated young mum who lost her partner and five children in a house fire is urging other parents to check their smoke alarms.
A fire tore through the family’s home in Russell Island, Queensland, Australia, on Sunday (6 August) at around 6am.
Samantha Stephenson, 28, managed to escape the blaze with a 21-year-old relative - believed to be her sister - but when she tried to run back inside, her partner Wayne Godinet, 34, stopped her and instead went back himself.
According to the Daily Mail, Godinet then became trapped in an upstairs room with twins Kyza and Koa, aged four, his three-year-old son Nicky, and stepsons, Zack, 11 and Harry, 10.
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Later on Sunday, police confirmed that six bodies had been found in the building.
Superintendent Mat Kelly said on Sunday: “These are young boys that could have become men in the future and a man has lost his life as well.
“We are still speaking with this lady, who has lost her entire family. It is truly tragic.”
Lilly Slate, a friend of Ms Stephenson, set up a GoFundMe to help the heartbroken mum with expenses, including the cost of six funerals.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, she said: “Samantha just wants the world to know - check your smoke alarms and hold your babies.”
Peter MacLoughlin, a close family friend, told the media: “Sam came running out of the house. She was just screaming 'my children, my children,' I can never forgot that.”
As yet, its not known what started the blaze, and investigation is ongoing.
Kelly added: “This is obviously a distressing and difficult time for them because it is a small community, and of course, everybody pretty well knows everybody else.”
Assistant Commissioner and QLD Fire and Emergency Services said: “It’s obviously one of the worst fires we’ve had for quite a long time.”
The family had lived in the area for around four years, and the two eldest children attended the local primary school.
In a letter to parents, principal of Russell Island State School Leanne McMahon said the community was thinking of the family.
The letter read: “Many of you will be aware of a tragic house fire this morning in our community. It has been reported that some residents, including young people, remain unaccounted for. We extend our sincere sympathies to the affected families and their loved ones at this difficult time.
“As a community, we will rally together and support each other through this challenging period.”