By Ashleigh McMillan
A father and son died after their home was engulfed by flames in Melbourne’s east on Saturday morning.
Emergency services were called to the Craig Road home in Donvale following reports of a large fire about 3.45am.
Firefighters survey the damage following a house fire in Donvale on Saturday morning.Credit: Eddie Jim
When firefighters arrived, the multi-level brick and steel property was fully alight.
“Crews aggressively attacked the fire,” a spokeswoman for Fire Rescue Victoria said. “The home has been destroyed by fire and the roof has collapsed.”
Two bodies were found inside the home after the fire was extinguished. A police spokeswoman said the pair was yet to be formally identified.
A crime scene was established and arson detectives attended the home on Saturday morning, but police deemed the fire non-suspicious just before 3pm.
Police at the scene in Craig Road, Donvale.Credit: Eddie Jim
Fire Rescue Victoria told The Sunday Age that investigators now believe the blaze was “accidental”.
Neighbour Angelo von Moller said he was gutted by the blaze which had taken the lives of a man he called the “epitome of a good neighbour” and his beloved autistic son.
“[He was] a man who always was there to help if you needed it whether it was just to have a chat, or to help build something in the garden,” he said.
“He was always there for our community.”
Anyone who witnessed the incident or with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
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