Queensland Police have been unable to identify the cause of a house fire that claimed the lives of six people, including five children under the age of 11.
In an update shared on Friday, investigators said no suspicious circumstances had been identified after a Sunday morning blaze ripped through a Todman St home on Russell Island.
The tragic fire claimed the lives of Wayne Godinet, 34, and his five children Zack 11, Harry, 10, four-year-old twins Kyza and Koah, and Nicky, 3.
The children’s mother Samantha Stephenson, 28, and her 21-year-old sister Connie Campbell were able to escape the property, located off Brisbane’s southeast coast.
Authorities said the post-mortem examinations of the deceased had been completed, and an “extensive” report would be prepared for the coroner.
The victims’ families have also been updated on the development.
“Officers would like to thank the community for their ongoing support following this tragedy,” the statement read.
“They continue to appeal for any relevant information that may assist police with their investigation.”
On Tuesday, neighbours described waking up to a “wall of flames” that threatened to envelope their homes.
Sei Sinclare and Lucia Teague told Today that while they initially attempted to put out the flames, they quickly realised their only option was to flee.
“Looking down the hall, I saw the fire eye-level with us already,” Mr Sinclare said.
“The heat, even from the other end of the house, you could feel it on your face, and it was just terrible.”
Ms Teague remembered one man jumping their home’s fence with a hose in order to “fight back the flames”.
She said the outpouring of support had been both “heartwarming and heartbreaking”.
In the five days since the inferno, members of the tight-knit Russell Island community have banded together in mourning.
On Thursday, members of Mr Godinet’s family performed a traditional Maori ceremony dubbed as “a lifting of the spirits” outside the property.
One woman blessed the site with water as others performed the haka.
Footage from 9 News showed dozens of mourners gathered at the property, including Mr Godinet’s parents, grandmother and relatives.