POLITICIANS representing three tiers of government expressed sadness when learning of the 39-year-old man and two children to die in the Mount Isa gas explosion.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said her heart went out to victims of the explosion.
"The thoughts of all Queenslanders are with the Mount Isa community at this time," she said.
"Today (Tuesday) I have approved the priority use of the government aircraft to transport disaster management crews to Mount Isa to support the community."
Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter said the explosion was "appalling" and "heartbreaking."
He compared it to the Ravenshoe cafe explosion on June 9.
A ute driver crashed into the cafe, which caused the explosion in which two people died and about 20 people were injured.
Mr Katter said an inquiry into the gas industry and the control of gas canisters were needed.
“Regardless of what the cause of these deaths, it seems that gas again is an element and it highlights the dangerous nature of this form of energy.
“An industry that makes it so easy to cause personal harm and injury better start looking very hard at itself."
Mount Isa State Member Rob Katter said "my heart goes out to those caught in the tragic incident."
"This is a tragedy that will send shockwaves through the community.
"For the moment, we ask people to remember the victims in their prayers and allow the emergency services to do their work."
Mount Isa Mayor Tony McGrady left Brisbane early on Tuesday while attending a development meeting to learn what the council and community could do to help.
He described the explosion as "a terrible terrible time for Mount Isa."
"I think the community can do what it always does in times of tragedy...to just be there," Councillor McGrady said.
"We have to stand as one. A small community such as ours takes it harder, feels it harder."