Melbourne, Jan 3: Three Indian students were killed when fire engulfed a house in Melbourne on Thursday morning.

According to Sergeant Rod Stormonth, the three men, aged 22, 24 and 30, were unable to escape despite occupying a front bedroom as the blaze spread quickly at a house in Ballarat Road, Footscray, in Melbourne's west.

The bodies of two of the men were found at the back of the house and the other victim was found in the hall after the fire was extinguished.

A mother, father and their five-year-old daughter were able to escape the house fire that broke out at about midnight.

The Indians had been in Australia for about two years.

"Police were contacting the victims' families in India," Sgt Stormonth said.

The families of three survivors are in shock. The family members who escaped the blaze were permanent residents, with the parents aged around 30, Sgt Stormonth said.

"Investigations will be continuing with the arson chemist for some time to work out exactly what happened," The Australian quoted Sgt Stormonth, as saying. (ANI)