Man charged following Sydenham fatal fire

Detectives from the Arson and Explosives Squad have charged a man as part of their investigation into a fatal fire in Sydenham last year where two children died.

A 24-year-old man was charged on 11 September with two counts of negligent manslaughter and one count of negligently cause serious injury.

He was already in custody on unrelated matters and will appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 15 January, 2026 in relation to these charges.

Last week a 26-year-old Tarneit woman was also charged with two counts of negligent manslaughter and one count of negligently cause serious injury.

She was bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court also on 15 January, 2026.

The charges follow a fire at a property in Sydenham on 8 September, 2024 where two children were killed.

Emergency services were initially called to the Fergus Court property shortly after 9.30pm that night.

Firefighters entered the home and located a five-year-old girl, then three-year-old boy and a one-year-old girl.

All were treated immediately at the scene before being taken to hospital.

The two girls subsequently passed away in hospital three days later on 11 September.

Natalie Webster
Media Unit
130474