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Health

Boy dies after Geraldton house fire as arson investigation continues

The children who suffered significant burns were flown to Perth after the fire.  (ABC News )

A boy has died after a fire tore through a home in Geraldton in Western Australia's Midwest. 

Three boys, aged between 12 and 14, were left in a critical condition following the house fire last Thursday afternoon.

A WA Police spokesman said one of the boys, a 13-year-old, died on Monday afternoon.   

Two boys remain in a critical condition at Perth Children's Hospital after being flown there on Thursday night.

Arson Squad detectives examined the scene of the Mount Tarcoola home following the intense blaze, first reported as a loud bang.

Police told the ABC on Friday the cause was yet to be established, but they believed an accelerant had been involved. 

The damage after a blaze tore through a house in Mount Tarcoola on Thursday. (ABC Midwest & Wheatbelt: Alice Angeloni)

They also said the boys sought assistance from neighbours who helped get them to hospital. 

"We know that one of the children was taken to a neighbour's house immediately and placed in a shower," Acting Inspector Chris Martin said.

"Two other children were very quickly placed in a passing vehicle and taken straight to hospital."

Police Arson Squad and forensic teams have been investigating. (ABC Midwest: Rachael Clifford)

A fourth boy was discharged after being treated for minor burns in Geraldton.

Inspector Martin said the situation had been difficult for all involved and confronting for the emergency service personnel in attendance. 

Geraldton police leaving the scene in Mount Tarcoola  (ABC Midwest & Wheatbelt: Rachael Clifford )

"Our thoughts at the moment go to the family, and the obviously severely stressful, distressing situation for them to handle," he said. 

"The house was obviously visually on fire, there was a lot of windows smashed, there was flames billowing from the roof of the building, and there was a number of young adults who had left the premises who had received some injuries."

Arson Squad detectives have taken carriage of the investigation and spent most of Friday combing the scene, attempting to determine how the fire unfolded.

Two boys remain in a critical condition in Perth.  (ABC News)

Midwest region director of education Julie Carson said the incident had impacted families in the community. 

"Our thoughts are with those affected," she said. 

"Local schools will have support staff available for students and school staff for as long as it is needed."

The house is owned by the Department of Communities and a spokesman confirmed it was providing assistance and support to the family.  

The Department of Communities has confirmed it owns the house. (ABC Midwest & Wheatbelt: Alice Angeloni )
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