A 29-year-old woman has been formally charged with murder and attempted murder following a devastating house fire in Melbourne's south-east last month, which claimed one man's life and left another fighting for his injuries.
Emergency Response to Sunburnt Circuit
Emergency services were called to a property on Sunburnt Circuit in the suburb of Clyde North at approximately 1.45am on 18 December. The address is located roughly 46km south-east of Melbourne's CBD. Upon arrival, crews discovered a serious fire and multiple casualties.
Victims and Injuries from the Blaze
Two men, aged 46 and 44, were rushed to hospital with life-threatening injuries. Tragically, the 44-year-old man succumbed to his injuries later that same day. The 46-year-old man remains in hospital but is now reported to be in a stable condition.
A woman was also hospitalised with injuries not considered life-threatening. Victoria Police confirmed that two other occupants—a 43-year-old woman and an 11-year-old girl—were present at the time but escaped physical injury.
Charges Laid and Court Appearance
In a statement issued on Friday, Victoria Police announced the charges. The 29-year-old woman, who had been under police guard in hospital, was charged with one count of murder and one count of attempted murder.
Authorities have indicated that the parties involved were known to each other. The accused has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear before the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Saturday.
The investigation into the precise circumstances surrounding the fire is ongoing.
