A devastating house fire in southwestern Sydney has claimed the lives of a mother and her six-year-old daughter.
Veronica Carmady, 46, and her daughter Aurora were unable to escape the inferno, which engulfed their home on St Johns Road in Heckenberg.
Desperate Attempt to Save Her Child
In a heart-wrenching turn of events, Veronica was seen outside the house after the fire broke out, before she went back inside to search for Aurora.
Unfortunately, both mother and daughter perished in the fire. A neighbor described the terrifying sounds of screams for help, which suddenly stopped.
Eyewitness Accounts
Neighbors reported hearing screams and seeing an older man with serious burns being taken away by paramedics. Local resident Jaykay Moon bravely ran to help those inside, using a ladder to break through a window and rescue a three-year-old girl.
His son, Jaykay Jr, recounted the traumatic experience, saying, “All we heard was screaming… One of the parents was outside screaming that his kids were still inside.”
Firefighters’ Heartbreaking Discovery
Emergency services arrived at the scene at around 12:40 am on Wednesday to find the house engulfed in flames.
Fire and Rescue NSW superintendent Adam Dewberry said, “There was nothing we could do, the fire had already taken hold with flames venting out the front windows.”
The firefighters made the devastating discovery of two bodies inside the house.
Investigation Underway
The cause of the fire is still unknown, and police have established a crime scene to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Superintendent Dewberry emphasized the importance of working smoke alarms, saying, “It doesn’t matter what starts the fire, but we do know working smoke alarms save lives.”
Community in Shock
The tragedy has left the community in shock, with many neighbors and locals paying tribute to the victims.
Eight people, including four children and four adults, managed to escape the fire, with some receiving treatment for injuries.
A three-year-old girl is in critical condition, and a man is fighting for his life with severe burns.
A Warning About Smoke Alarms and E-Bike Safety
The fire highlights the importance of having working smoke alarms and being cautious with e-bike batteries, which can overheat and catch fire if not monitored.
Fire and Rescue NSW urged everyone to check their sm woroke alarms are inking order and to be mindful of e-bike safety.
This tragic event is a reminder of the importance of fire safety and the need for working smoke alarms in every home. Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of the victims.