A teenager who was one of two people killed in a “mysterious” house fire has been identified as a car enthusiast who was willing to “help anyone”.
Benjamin Stonehouse, 18, suffered serious burns after a fire broke out at his home on Chandler Street in Garbutt, near Townsville, Queensland, at around 3pm on Friday.
Ben and another 18-year-old were rushed to Townsville University Hospital, but the other teenager died a short time later.
Ben was airlifted to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital before succumbing to his injuries on Saturday morning.
Two other men, who were inside the property when the house was engulfed in flames, were unharmed.
Queensland Police are still investigating the cause of the fire.
The four men were tenants in the two-story house, which was owned by Ben’s mother, Christie Stonehouse.
Ms Stonehouse said she would still wait to find out how the fire started and remembered her son as a caring and generous young man.
Benjamin Stonehouse, 18, (pictured), suffered serious burns after a house fire broke out in Garbutt, near Townsville, on Friday afternoon.
“He was always there to help everyone,” she said. mail.
He said the smoke alarms in the house had been recently updated.
Ben leaves behind his mother and his girlfriend Shelby.
“(Shelby) wasn’t coping well, he absolutely adored her,” Stonehouse said.
Ben was learning to be a plasterer and recently completed his painting and bodywork apprenticeships.
Ms Stonehouse said Ben was a “car fanatic” and saved up money to buy several cars.
“He just went and bought a five-litre VR Commodore V8 and was fixing it up himself,” he said.
A Queensland Police spokeswoman told Daily Mail Australia that officers are still investigating the incident and the deaths have been referred to the coroner.
Ben and four others were inside the house (pictured) when flames engulfed the property, which was gutted by the blaze.
TO GoFundMe The page was created by two family friends on Sunday to help provide financial support.
“The Stonehouse family is currently struggling to find the strength to carry on,” they wrote.
‘The family would appreciate any funds that can be provided at this time to cover all costs.’
Anyone with CCTV footage from the incident is urged to contact police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
