Police believe fuel used in fatal fire

A community has been left 'shocked and saddened' after a woman was fatally burned by a fire.

hidden valley woman burned death domestic violence indigenous

The community of Hidden Valley is 'shocked and saddened' by the apparent incident of domestic violence. Source: ABC Australia

Police believe fuel was used in a fire which caused the death of a woman at a Mparntwe - Alice Springs town camp at the weekend.

The 34-year-old died in hospital on Sunday after being burnt extensively at a house in Hidden Valley Town Camp late on Friday night.

A 36-year-old man, believed to be the deceased's partner, remains in an Adelaide hospital, having also suffered serious burns.

A homicide investigation is now underway.

"We believe there was fuel used in the fire," Detective Senior Sergeant Mick Schumacher from Alice Springs Criminal Investigation Unit said.

"We believe the fire was started as a result of a fight."
hidden valley woman burned death domestic violence indigenous
The woman's death has left the community devastated. A man reported to be her partner is in hospital with burn injuries. Source: ABC Australia
He said the woman was known to be at risk of domestic violence but wouldn't be drawn if more could have been done to protect her.

"This matter is a senseless tragedy but I think police are doing as much as possible with regards to domestic violence in Alice Springs, certainly within the southern region as well as the Northern Territory.

"We can only do our best."

The woman's death has devastated the local community.

"It was a tragedy," the town camps service provider said in a statement.

"Tangentyere board and staff are shocked and saddened by the tragedy at Hidden Valley Town Camp on the weekend,"said Tangentyere Council, which provides service delivery to town camps in and around Alice Springs, in a statement.

"Management was alerted to the fire by police. Staff were at Hidden Valley Town Camp immediately Saturday morning offering assistance to family member and other residents of the house. Alternative accommodation was found for those who required it.

"Tangentyere continues to offer support to those impacted by this terrible event. Our thoughts are with the family at this very sad time."

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2 min read

Published

Updated

By Guy McLean

Source: NITV News


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