Mother devastated by fatal Qld explosion

Police have spoken to the devastated mother of two children who were killed in caravan explosion in northwest Queensland.

The mother of two young children who died in a caravan explosion with their father has spoken to police about the tragedy.

Charlie Hinder, 39, his seven-year-old daughter, Nyobi, and four-year-old son, River, died when their caravan exploded and caught fire in Mount Isa on Tuesday morning.

Acting Assistant Commissioner Paul Taylor says police have spoken to the children's mother but could not reveal what she said.

"I'm sure ... the whole community can understand that under the circumstances she's (the mother's) devastated," he said.

It's believed the mother was the woman who escaped a neighbouring house that caught alight after the explosion.

Police say it could take weeks or months to determine what caused the explosion, which shattered windows 60 metres away.

Commissioner Taylor said suggestions of a murder-suicide or gas explosion were mere speculation.

"We've got an open book ... we're not jumping to any conclusions," he told reporters in Mount Isa.

"We are giving out facts as we know them and as we prove them."

He appealed to people to think about the feelings of people who have lost their loved ones before posting theories on social media.

Yendah Lewong, who lives across the street, told ABC radio her front door broke from the impact of the explosion.

When she went outside to investigate, she saw a woman crying and saying "there's blood, there's blood".

More than 70 police are meticulously combing through the confronting scene, which is spread over several hundred metres around the property.

A further eight victim identification investigators will join them.

The investigation has forced nineteen families from their homes.

Emergency Services Minister Jo-Ann Miller said nine families had to be accommodated on Tuesday night.

About 70 people had sought help from a community recovery centre set up after the disaster.

"Everyone has shown incredible patience and I thank them for that," Ms Miller said.

"I know it's going to be a long journey to recovery, but it has been so heartening to see everyone in Mount Isa rally together."

(Community Recovery Hotline 1800 173 349. Lifeline 24 Crisis Counselling 13 11 14)


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Source: AAP


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