11 presumed dead in Australia house fire

Fourteen people were in the two-story house in suburban Kingston when the fire broke out around midnight Tuesday, but only three managed to escape, police Superintendent Noel Powers told reporters.

One man who escaped was taken to a hospital for treatment of facial burns, while a second man remained at the scene despite suffering shoulder injuries. The third survivor appeared uninjured.

Police said the victims were predominantly from two families of Pacific Islander heritage. Neighbors said they were from Tonga.

Faiumu Tafeaga said his nephew Misi Matauaina escaped by jumping from a window after his partner woke him up.

Matauaina's partner and their two children, aged 3 and 6, were unable to get out, according toTafeaga.

“There was no time to go (back) into the house. He got a few burns,” Tafeaga said of his nephew.

Police did not immediately release details of the victims' ages and sex.

The first human remains were removed from the ruins by early Wednesday.

The cause of the fire was under investigation.

Queensland Premier Anna Bligh said counselors were sent to the schools the deceased children attended to help comfort their classmates.

“I've spoken to one man this morning whose wife and five children are unaccounted for,” Bligh said.

“I don't think anyone could imagine the pain that that would involve.”

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