Residents in the quiet neighbourhood of Boondall were left in shock and despair as a house was engulfed in flames in the early hours of September. The tragic incident claimed the life of a long-term tenant, Graham Myles, aged 51, leaving the community mourning and authorities investigating the cause.
The fire, which sent shockwaves through the neighbourhood, prompted emergency services to respond swiftly. Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) received multiple reports of the blaze at approximately 3:15 a.m. on 20 Sept 2023. Three fire crews were dispatched to the scene, finding the two-storey home already “well involved,” per a QFES spokesman.
Efforts to control the fire were valiantly undertaken by firefighters, who managed to bring the blaze under control by 4:15 a.m. However, the tragic outcome of the incident was confirmed when Mr Myles’ lifeless body was discovered inside the residence on Cardinal Street.
Local resident John Mackay, who lived next door to the ill-fated property, recounted the harrowing moments that unfolded on that fateful night. The sound of shattered windows following an explosion woke them up from their sleep.
Despite their best intentions to help their neighbour, the intensity of the blaze prevented Mr Mackay and his wife from intervening effectively. They promptly called emergency services, but Mr Mackay thought that Mr Myles was not present at the time because his car was not there. The Mackays were aware that Mr Myles was set to move.
Mr Myles had been a tenant of the property for a remarkable 15 years, a fact reiterated by neighbours who described him as a “gentle giant” and “a bit of a loner.” He was known to keep to himself, but those who knew him noted his kindness and harmlessness.
The wider Boondall community has been left shaken by the loss of Mr Myles, who will be remembered for his quiet presence and the challenges he faced in recent years.
The Queensland Police Service (QPS) declared the incident a crime scene, although they are not treating the fire as suspicious. Police spokespersons stated that their investigation would continue to determine the exact cause of the blaze. However, due to safety concerns, authorities had not entered the burnt-out property as of the morning following the incident.
Published 22-Sept- 2023