The two children killed in a horror house fire in the Blue Mountains on Monday have been remembered as “precious”.
The children’s parents, Skye Hughes and David Higgins, said the tragic loss of Myla, 10 and River, three, “has forever changed our family”, according to ABC News.
“This tragedy has forever changed our family, but the extraordinary support of our community has reminded us that we do not stand alone,” they said.
“Your kindness has carried us through our darkest hours, and we are profoundly grateful for every act of support.”
The parents also thanked first repsonders for their “tireless efforts”.
The family had been planning to move to Queensland for a “new life together”.
Ms Hughes and one of their other children were already interstate when the blaze broke out.
“This heartbreaking reality makes this unimaginable loss even more devastating for all who loved them,” they said.
Myla Summer-Lea Hughes, 10, and River William Higgins, three, died when their family home in Bowen Mountain, in the foothills of the Blue Mountains, went up in flames about 2am.
Their father and three siblings managed to escape the fire, but were taken to hospital with smoke-related injuries.
Tragically, the fire broke out on the morning the family had been due to move to Queensland to start a new chapter of their lives.
Skye Hughes, the children’s mother, was already travelling to their new home at the time of the fire.
All four survivors were discharged from Nepean Hospital on Tuesday morning following treatment for minor burns and smoke inhalation.
About 60 firefighters were called to bring the fire, which had caused structural damage and destroyed the roof when they arrived, under control.
A GoFundMe was established by Natasha Holden, a friend of the family, to help cover funeral, memorial and emergency accommodation costs. The fundraiser, which will also assist with trauma counselling and essential personal items, has raised nearly $50,000 as of Thursday morning.
“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,” Ms Holden wrote on the GoFundMe page.
“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.
“Every donation, regardless of size, will directly assist the family as they navigate unimaginable heartbreak and begin the long journey toward healing and rebuilding. Thank you for standing beside this family during the most heartbreaking time of their lives.”
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the blaze, which is not being treated as suspicious.
