A gas leak from a fridge used inside a tent has been blamed for the tragic deaths of a man and a boy during a family camping trip north of Perth yesterday.

A woman who was sleeping in the tent with the deceased pair is in hospital in a serious condition. A dog also died in the incident.

The ABC has reported the boy was 11 years-old.

Minister for Police Michelle Roberts said the deaths had occurred because of a gas leak.

“I understand there may have been some kind of gas leak from a fridge that was being used in the tent,” she said.

“Unfortunately that has resulted in the tragic deaths of two people and their dog and I understand the mother is in a serious condition.

“It’s very tragic, it’s a long weekend, so many people would have had a similar experience of camping in their tent … who would have used potentially similar equipment.”

Emergency services were called to the beach 8km from Wedge Island about 11am after the alarm was raised about a child who was not breathing.

The man and boy were both found dead when emergency services arrived and the woman was found in need of urgent medical help.

It is understood the woman was unconscious and in a serious condition when she was transferred via helicopter to Royal Perth Hospital after suffering “toxic exposure to some form of gas”.

The deaths are not being treated as suspicious.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services attended to assist with the safe removal of the camping equipment.

Police would like to speak to anyone who was camping in the area at the time, and who have not already spoken to police.

Those people are asked to make contact via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

The investigation is ongoing, and a report will be prepared for the Coroner.