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Relatives of a dead mother and children have lashed out at the "monster" who allegedly burnt his family alive in a Brisbane car fire on Wednesday.
Police are still investigating the tragedy, but witnesses have described how former NZ Warriors league player Rowan Baxter set fire to a car containing wife Hannah, daughters Aaliyah and Laianah, and son Trey in the suburb of Camp Hill, about 8:30am.
The children died in the car, their father stabbed himself to death on the pavement, while Hannah Baxter died of her burns later in hospital.
Another bystander was taken to hospital with burns, after trying to save the car's occupants.
The Baxters were separated and battling for custody of their offspring. Rowan Baxter, 42, had reportedly jumped into the passenger seat, dousing his family with petrol and setting fire to the car.
A nearby resident dragged Hannah Baxter, 31, out of the car, as she screamed, "He's poured petrol on me".
One witness told The Australian she was "rolling on the footpath in flames", while another described skin peeling off her.
Neighbour Aaron Snell told The Courier Mail that Rowan Baxter, from Tauranga, tried to stop bystanders from extinguishing the flames.
"He was protesting to stop putting it out," he said. "He was so angry and just going absolutely crazy."
Hannah Baxter and her children were staying with her parents in Camp Hill, after splitting with her husband late last year.
Sister-in-law Stacey Roberts has set up a Facebook fundraising campaign to pay for funeral costs.
"As you may be aware, my beautiful sister-in-law, and my nieces and nephew had their lives taken by a disgusting human being they called their father," says Roberts.
"We need your help to support their parents, Sue and Lloyd, who have exhausted themselves to try and help Hannah escape this monster."
Baxter's Facebook account reflects a father who loved his children deeply, with many photos and a post declaring, "Daddy loves you".
Baxter was a Warriors squad member in 2005 and played club league for Mt Albert Lions, after representing Bay of Plenty in rugby.
Where to find help and support:
- Shine (domestic violence) - 0508 744 633
- Women's Refuge - 0800 733 843 (0800 REFUGE)
- Need to Talk? - Call or text 1737
- What's Up - 0800 WHATS UP (0800 942 8787)
- Lifeline - 0800 543 354 or (09) 5222 999 within Auckland
- Youthline - 0800 376 633, text 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat
- Samaritans - 0800 726 666
- Depression Helpline - 0800 111 757
- Suicide Crisis Helpline - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
- Shakti Community Council - 0800 742 584
