This article contains violence and may be triggering to some readers.
Hannah Clarke has died with her three children after her estranged husband set their car alight on Wednesday.
Watch Below: Channel 7 Report On Hannah Baxter And Her Children’s Murder
The children, Aaliyah, 6, Laianah, 4, and Trey, 3, were on their way to school with their mother in their family car when they were ambushed by their father, The Australian reports. Baxter had recently separated from his wife and was reportedly in a custody dispute.
It’s believed the car was doused with petrol and set alight by Mr Baxter, 42, who died on the footpath after jumping in the passenger seat and stabbing himself. Hannah, 31, was rushed to Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital and was later declared dead from her injuries on Wednesday night, according to Queensland Police.
A witness told The Australian that Hannah was “rolling on the footpath in flames” and screamed, “he poured petrol on us”.
The Courier Mail reports Mr Baxter shouted at those who ran to help with hoses, saying he wanted to let his family burn.
Witness Aaron Snell, who lives metres from where the horror unfolded, said the former NRL player was aggressive at the scene. “As I came to the front after calling triple-0, I saw her (Hannah). She was smoking, her body was smoking and on fire,” he told the publication. “They’d pulled her out and they were hosing her down on the road, trying to put the flames out. And he (Rowan) was across the road.”
Police confirmed to news.com.au that Mr Baxter’s body was found outside the car but wouldn’t reveal any more details.
“On arrival, police and emergency services have identified five people that were involved in the fire inside the vehicle. I can confirm that we have three deceased children under the age of 10 in the vehicle,” Detective Inspector Mark Thompson told reporters at the scene.
“We have another deceased adult male who was known to the children, and we also have a victim suffering extensive injuries that are also known to the children and the adult male.”
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said his “heart goes out to the families and community going through this tragic time and the emergency responders confronting what would be a shattering scene”.
Federal MP Terri Butler said she was “horrified and devastated” by the incident.
If you or someone you know needs help contact the Australian Helpline 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732).
This article contains violence and may be triggering to some readers.
Hannah Clarke has died with her three children after her estranged husband set their car alight on Wednesday.
Watch Below: Channel 7 Report On Hannah Baxter And Her Children’s Murder
This article contains violence and may be triggering to some readers.
Hannah Clarke has died with her three children after her estranged husband set their car alight on Wednesday.
Watch Below: Channel 7 Report On Hannah Baxter And Her Children’s Murder
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