mmg.com.au

A gas heater which contributed to the deaths of two Mooroopna boys had not been serviced for nearly four years, the Victorian Coroners Court has heard.

A coronial inquest into the death of Chase, 8, and Tyler Robinson, 6, at their home on Kalimna Dve, Mooroopna, began in Shepparton yesterday.

Autopsies and toxicology tests revealed the cause of the boys’ deaths to be carbon monoxide poisoning.

The inquest heard extraction fans may have contributed the high levels of the odourless, colourless gas in the home which was ‘‘well sealed’’ and lacked ventilation.

In her opening address, Counsel Assisting the Coroner Sara Hinchey said the responsibilities of landlords, real estate agents and tradespeople would be examined as part of the inquest with maintenance and changes to the home being a key issue.

Ms Hinchey also touched on the need for public education about the importance of regular and ongoing maintenance of gas appliances to ensure their efficient operation as well as a reassessment of Australian building standards.

The court heard evidence from the Robinsons’ landlord Jeffrey Watt, who had previously lived at the address with his wife Tracey, as well as director of Youngs & Co Real Estate Connie Young, who was the property manager of the house.

The inquest before coroner Jacinta Heffey, which is scheduled to run until Thursday, continues this morning.

For more see today's Shepparton News.