24 Aug 2011

6 children die in Brisbane house fire

1:48 pm on 24 August 2011

At least six children, the youngest just three, are among 11 people killed in a house fire south of Brisbane.

As many as three Pacific island families are believed to have been living in the house.

An uncle of a survivor, Faiumu Tafeaga, says his nephew Misi Matauaina escaped by jumping out of the window of the blazing home after his partner woke him.

Mr Tafeaga told AAP he could do nothing to save them the family.

He says at least six children - aged three, six, 11, 14, 16 and 17 - were in the house, along with three couples.

About 150 Tongan and Samoan people have gathered at the scene to mourn.