Mother and Daughter tragically killed in fire despite heroic efforts of neighbour
A local community is in mourning after a mother and her daughter tragically lost their lives in a fire overnight, despite brave efforts by neighbours to rescue them.
The fire broke out at a property in Heckenberg, Sydney’s southwest, with ten people inside when it happened shortly after midnight on Wednesday, destroying the family home.
While most managed to escape before firefighters arrived, the bodies of a 46-year-old woman and her six-year-old daughter were found inside and have yet to be formally identified.
Eight others, including four children, escaped the fire, but one girl and a man are currently fighting for their lives in the hospital.
According to reports, a neighbour bravely entered the burning building to help some of the occupants escape.
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Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell praised the neighbour’s heroic actions, emphasizing the courage and selflessness displayed.
Fewtrell commended the neighbour for risking his life to help those in danger, calling it an “incredible act of heroism.”
According to the son of the man who helped rescue a young girl by smashing a window, the neighbour’s quick actions saved lives.
Despite firefighters responding promptly to the emergency call, the intensity of the blaze prevented them from saving those who could not escape.
Investigators are yet to confirm if there was a working smoke alarm in the house.
Fewtrell emphasized the importance of having functioning smoke alarms, especially with fires spreading rapidly due to modern furnishings.
Neighbours recalled hearing screams from the house and witnessing some occupants flee to the backyard.
One girl remains in critical condition at Westmead Children’s Hospital, while a man is also critical at Concord Hospital.
Another child and man were taken to Liverpool Hospital, and the police have established a crime scene for further investigation.
This tragic incident comes after a fatal fire in Guildford, Sydney, caused by an e-bike battery, where no working smoke alarm was found.
