Man’s body found in burnt-out charity building

A man’s body has been found in the burnt-out remnants of a charity building in Brisbane’s south-west.

The Citipointe West Marketplace on Freeman Road in Durack was reported on fire about 6.45am on Friday last week.

“While the fire was initially extinguished that morning, officers were not able to gain safe access to the building until around 6pm that evening, where human remains were located,” police said.

The remains have now been identified as those of a 44-year-old man.

The marketplace provides 20 to 30 tonnes of free fruit, vegetables, bread and milk every single week to the community.

“More than 10,000 individuals and families access our services each month, relying on this space for essential food relief, stability, and dignity in difficult seasons,” the church said in a Facebook post.

“The loss of this building represents not just damage to a structure, but a direct impact on the wellbeing of our community.”

Hundreds of Christmas hampers were stored at the facility, and have been destroyed.

Counselling services and multicultural community initiatives also operate at the building.

The building was purchased by the church in 2019.

Anyone with relevant information, including CCTV or dashcam footage, is urged to contact police.

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