One individual has died, and two others are in critical condition after a sudden house fire that is suspected to have been intentionally set, according to initial responders. Firefighters swiftly responded to a residence engulfed in flames at Hope Island on Australia’s sunny Gold Coast. Upon arrival at a Sickle Avenue location just after 11:30 pm local time on Tuesday, emergency teams found the house well ablaze.

The house suffered extensive damage from the fire, with one side collapsing as flames engulfed the building. Video footage captured flames and smoke billowing from the roof as the fire spread rapidly. Despite the initial intensity, firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control within an hour.

A 38-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics, while two other men aged 44 and 84 were transported to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital in critical condition with burns to various parts of their bodies. Additionally, a 59-year-old woman was taken to the Gold Coast University Hospital in stable condition with injuries to her back, hip, and leg. Another 38-year-old man managed to escape from the home unharmed.

Authorities suspect arson as the cause of the fire, with the deceased man believed to be the perpetrator. A crime scene has been established as police and fire officials continue their investigation into the incident at the Gold Coast residence.

Resident David Da Silver reported seeing smoke and multiple police vehicles near the property around 2 am, with the entire street cordoned off by emergency services. Another local resident, who aided the victims after they fled the burning house, mentioned that they appeared shaken by the ordeal and were unsure of what had occurred. Queensland Police are urging anyone with information or relevant footage from the vicinity to come forward to assist in the investigation.