ID :
203505
Thu, 08/25/2011 - 14:09
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http://m.oananews.org//node/203505
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More remains taken from Qld fire house
SYDNEY (AAP) - More remains have been taken from the scene of a house fire that killed 11 family members near Brisbane.
Seven bodies remained in the Slacks Creek home on Thursday morning, with police and fire crews determined to retrieve them by the end of the day.
Four were taken out of the two-storey fibro home on Wednesday, after the early morning inferno.
At about 2pm (AEST) on Thursday, authorities removed more remains.
It was not clear how many bodies were taken from the scene in a van.
They were given a traditional Tongan farewell by assembled family and friends who have been keeping vigil on the street.
Police Superintendent Noel Powers earlier told reporters at the scene that the first priority for emergency workers was to retrieve the victims' bodies on Thursday.
The second priority was to piece together how the fire started, which would be a long process.
"It's not going to be as quick as people hoped," he said.
"It's going to be a slow day.
"I am very confident we will get everybody out, there's no ifs, buts or maybes.
"We will get everyone out today and we will put them to rest."
Police have talked down speculation that large gas bottles at the home started the blaze, saying they may have been heard "exploding" after the fire started.
A prayer service at Logan Metro Sports Complex on Thursday night is expected to draw thousands of mourners, including Premier Anna Bligh.
A shrine of flowers and cards at the fire scene has been growing steadily throughout Thursday.
Family members have also been paying tribute to the victims.
Sunny Vaetoa, uncle of Ardelle Lee, 16, said she was a bright girl who excelled at school, loved music and had a strong religious faith.
"She's funny, one of those happy-go-lucky girls who always puts others before herself," he said.
Mabel Park High principal Mike O'Connor remembered victim Annamaria Taufa, 23, who was a school captain in 2005.
"She was an exceptional example of a graduating student from our school," he said.
Australians who want to help relatives of the victims have been urged to donate money, rather than goods, through a Salvation Army fund.
The group has set up a special fund for surviving relatives.
Donors can call the Salvos' hotline on 13 72 58 or donate via www.salvos.org and mention the Slacks Creek fire appeal.
Seven bodies remained in the Slacks Creek home on Thursday morning, with police and fire crews determined to retrieve them by the end of the day.
Four were taken out of the two-storey fibro home on Wednesday, after the early morning inferno.
At about 2pm (AEST) on Thursday, authorities removed more remains.
It was not clear how many bodies were taken from the scene in a van.
They were given a traditional Tongan farewell by assembled family and friends who have been keeping vigil on the street.
Police Superintendent Noel Powers earlier told reporters at the scene that the first priority for emergency workers was to retrieve the victims' bodies on Thursday.
The second priority was to piece together how the fire started, which would be a long process.
"It's not going to be as quick as people hoped," he said.
"It's going to be a slow day.
"I am very confident we will get everybody out, there's no ifs, buts or maybes.
"We will get everyone out today and we will put them to rest."
Police have talked down speculation that large gas bottles at the home started the blaze, saying they may have been heard "exploding" after the fire started.
A prayer service at Logan Metro Sports Complex on Thursday night is expected to draw thousands of mourners, including Premier Anna Bligh.
A shrine of flowers and cards at the fire scene has been growing steadily throughout Thursday.
Family members have also been paying tribute to the victims.
Sunny Vaetoa, uncle of Ardelle Lee, 16, said she was a bright girl who excelled at school, loved music and had a strong religious faith.
"She's funny, one of those happy-go-lucky girls who always puts others before herself," he said.
Mabel Park High principal Mike O'Connor remembered victim Annamaria Taufa, 23, who was a school captain in 2005.
"She was an exceptional example of a graduating student from our school," he said.
Australians who want to help relatives of the victims have been urged to donate money, rather than goods, through a Salvation Army fund.
The group has set up a special fund for surviving relatives.
Donors can call the Salvos' hotline on 13 72 58 or donate via www.salvos.org and mention the Slacks Creek fire appeal.
