A woman believed to be in her 70s has died after a fire tore through a first-floor apartment in Sydney’s eastern suburb of Randwick on Tuesday afternoon.
Emergency services were called to Alison Road shortly after 3:00 p.m. following reports of smoke and flames pouring from the windows of a unit near the Royal Randwick Racecourse.
Firefighters from Fire and Rescue NSW quickly brought the blaze under control after entering the apartment, which sustained significant damage. Inside, crews found the elderly woman unconscious. NSW Ambulance paramedics attempted to revive her, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities have not yet formally identified the victim.
Two other people were assessed by paramedics following the incident. One man, believed to be in his 30s, was treated for smoke inhalation. No injuries to firefighters or other emergency personnel have been reported.
Early reports indicate the fire may have originated in the kitchen, although investigators have not confirmed the cause. NSW Police have established a crime scene while specialist fire investigators examine the damaged apartment.
Police said an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the blaze is underway, and a report will be prepared for the Coroner. At this stage, authorities have not indicated that the fire is being treated as suspicious.
The emergency response prompted traffic disruptions on Alison Road, with several eastbound lanes closed for much of the afternoon as firefighters, police and forensic investigators worked at the scene. Motorists were advised to avoid the area while emergency operations continued.
Investigators will continue collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses in the coming days to determine the exact cause of the fatal apartment fire. Further information is expected to be released once the victim has been formally identified and the investigation progresses.
