Childers Palace Backpackers Hostel fire
The portrait in oils "Taking a break in the field" by Josonia Palaitis (130x170 cm; 51x67 in) depicts the 15 backpackers killed in the fire. | |
| Date | 23 June 2000 |
|---|---|
| Time | 1 a.m. |
| Location | Childers, Queensland, Australia |
| Coordinates | 25°14′12.18″S 152°16′43.17″E / 25.2367167°S 152.2786583°E |
| Type | Fire |
| Cause | Arson |
| Deaths | 15 |
| Convicted | Robert Paul Long |
| Charges | Two counts of murder and one count arson |
| Verdict | Life in Prison |
The Childers Palace Backpackers Hostel fire on 23 June 2000 killed 15 backpackers – nine women and six men – at the former Palace Hotel in the town of Childers, Queensland, Australia, which had been converted into a backpacker hostel. Robert Paul Long was arrested for lighting the fire and charged with two counts of murder and one count of arson. He was later sentenced to life imprisonment.