Sydney House Fire Tragedy: Woman Dies, Man in Hospital - Investigation Underway
A devastating house fire in Sydney's Inner West has claimed the life of a woman and left a man hospitalised. Emergency services were called to a blaze on Westbourne Street, Petersham, just before midnight on Friday, responding to frantic calls from concerned neighbours.
Firefighters arrived at the scene to find the single-story home engulfed in flames. Despite their rapid response, a woman was tragically found deceased inside the property. A man, believed to be known to the woman, was rescued from the burning building and transported to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital with significant injuries. His condition is currently being described as serious but stable.
“It’s a really sad situation,” said NSW Fire and Rescue Superintendent Adam Smith at the scene. “Our crews worked tirelessly to extinguish the fire and rescue anyone who may have been trapped inside. Unfortunately, despite their best efforts, we couldn't save the woman.”
The fire was brought under control around 1:30 am, and firefighters remained at the scene for several hours ensuring the area was safe and conducting a thorough search. The cause of the fire is currently unknown and is being investigated by fire investigators and police. Authorities are not treating the incident as suspicious at this stage, but all possibilities are being explored.
Westbourne Street was closed to traffic for several hours as emergency services worked, causing significant disruption for local residents. Neighbours have described the scene as chaotic, with flames and smoke visible for blocks. Many expressed shock and grief at the loss of life.
“I heard a lot of shouting and then saw the flames shooting out of the windows,” said one resident, who wished to remain anonymous. “It was terrifying. You just never expect something like this to happen on your street.”
NSW Police have established a crime scene and are appealing for anyone with information about the fire to come forward. They are particularly keen to speak to anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious in the area prior to the fire.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of smoke detectors and fire safety measures in the home. Fire and Rescue NSW encourages all residents to ensure their smoke detectors are working properly and to have an escape plan in place in the event of a fire. Further updates will be provided as the investigation continues.
For more information on fire safety, visit the NSW Fire and Rescue website: https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/