Caravan blast probe could take months

It will take weeks if not months to determine what caused a caravan blast that killed a Queensland man and his two young children.

Police in Mount Isa have started the painstaking task of sifting through the wreckage and say it's far too early to tell whether the explosion is suspicious.

Charlie Hinder, 39, his daughter, 7, and son, 4, died when the caravan was ripped apart in the front yard of a home early on Tuesday.

Detectives from Brisbane and Townsville have joined the investigation and some residents remain locked out of their homes.

There's been much speculation about the cause of the tragedy, but Inspector Kelly Harvey says police are considering all possibilities.

"We still do not know what the cause of the blast was," she told ABC radio.

The blast was so powerful it blew out windows of homes some 60 metres away and caused the roof of the neighbouring house to catch fire.

Insp Harvey dismissed speculation of a murder-suicide, saying police were yet to determine if there was cause for suspicion.

Police Minister Jo-Ann Miller has visited police who are dealing with the tragedy to offer them support.

"This is not going to be a quick investigation ... it will take weeks, if not months," she told ABC radio.

It's hoped some of the residents who are out of their homes will be able to return later on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, a recovery centre has been set up at the town's civic centre for residents who have been displaced.

"Everyone has shown incredible patience and I thank them for that," Emergency Services Minister Jo-Ann Miller said.

"I know it's going to be a long journey to recovery, but it has been so heartening to see everyone in Mount Isa rally together."

 

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