Man killed in 'very grim' Ocean Grove house fire as woman escapes
A man has died after becoming trapped in an Ocean Grove house fire while a female resident escaped the burning property early Thursday morning.
A man has died after becoming trapped in an Ocean Grove house fire overnight while a female resident managed to escape the burning property.
It is understood the fire broke out at about 12.30am Thursday at 144 The Avenue.
Victoria Police said an investigation was now underway into the circumstances of the fire.
“A female resident had managed to exit the property but a male resident was trapped inside,” police said.
“Fire crews located and removed the man but he could not be revived.
“The exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined and the investigation remains ongoing.”
A neighbour, who didn’t want to be named said the pair is very well known and much-loved.
“It’s such a tragic start to the festive season,” she said.
“I’m just in shock, I saw him walking their dog just yesterday.”
She said she believed the fire was caused by an electrical fault, “it was a very old house.”
The neighbour said the woman who escaped the fire was woken by smoke alarms and was “not doing well this morning and was still in shock.”
Neighbours took in the woman overnight and she is now being cared for by family.
“They don’t know where the dog is or if he made it, hopefully it’s just hiding,” she said.
Another neighbour, Jude Lingard, said the couple were very community-minded and always organised Christmas drinks.
“I woke up at 1am and thought council was doing road works, I feel awful now.
“They were so lovely, it’s just devastating.”
Smoke-damaged windows, walls and roof could be seen in the early hours of Thursday morning, as nearby walkers were waved away by police.
More than a dozen rainbow lorikeets gathered on the lawn outside the blackened house, where a large circle of bird seed had been left out for them.
Residents reported a strong smoke smell more than two streets away.
Through the window, burnt curtains and pot plants are barely visible through blackened windows and doors.
A policeman at the house said it was a “very grim scene”.
Anyone who witnessed the incident, has CCTV or any information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online.
Originally published as Man killed in 'very grim' Ocean Grove house fire as woman escapes
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