The young victims of a devastating Blue Mountains house fire have been identified as Myla Summer-Lea Hughes, 10, and River William Higgins, three, as tributes continue to pour in.
The two children died in the blaze, while their father and four siblings escaped the inferno at about 2am on Monday at the family’s home in Bowen Mountain, in the foothills of the Blue Mountains.
The fire broke out on the morning the family of eight had been due to move interstate to ‘begin a new chapter together’.
The children’s mother, Skye Hughes, was travelling to their new home in Queensland when the fire started.
All five survivors were discharged from Nepean Hospital on Tuesday morning after being treated for smoke inhalation and minor burns.
A GoFundMe has been launched by a family friend to help the Hughes-Higgins family plan funeral and memorial expenses and emergency accommodation costs.
‘Beloved children of Skye Hughes and David Higgins, these precious lives were deeply loved, and this unimaginable tragedy has left the family facing profound grief, trauma and overwhelming loss,’ organiser Natasha Holden said.
‘The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude for the extraordinary support already shown by first responders, hospital staff, friends, extended family, and the broader community.
Myla Summer-Lea Hughes, 10, tragically died in the Bowen Mountains house fire on Monday
Her three-year-old brother River William Higgins also passed away
By the time firefighters arrived, the blaze had burned through much of the home’s roof cavity and caused structural damage
‘Every donation, regardless of size, will directly assist the family as they navigate unimaginable heartbreak and begin the long journey toward healing and rebuilding.’
Ms Holden said the funds will also help the family purchase clothing, personal belongings and essential necessities, and trauma counselling, healing and recovery services.
She then thanked those who had donated for ‘standing beside this family during the most heartbreaking time of their lives.’
More to come.