Teenagers break window to escape burning house, woman in critical condition

A woman has been left in a critical condition after being found unconscious in a burning home in Melbourne’s north. The incident occurred when two teenagers were forced to break a window to escape the blaze, which engulfed their single-storey residence on Correll Way in Roxburgh Park.

Emergency services were called to the scene around 7:30 am on Thursday following reports of a house fire. Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) stated that the two teenagers, who were occupants of the home, were alerted to the fire by a smoke alarm. They managed to break a window and escape the smoke-filled building.

“They also made the call to Triple Zero indicating that one other occupant was still in the home,” FRV said in a statement.

Upon arrival, firefighters entered the home to search for the third person. They discovered a woman in her 40s unconscious in a bedroom. Fire crews and paramedics provided immediate medical assistance before she was transported to The Alfred hospital, where she remained in critical condition late into the night.

FRV reported that the fire was brought under control within 30 minutes, although it caused “extensive” damage to the bedroom and roof space of the home. Police are currently investigating the cause of the fire, which remains undetermined.

Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

The incident highlights the importance of smoke alarms in detecting fires early, allowing residents to evacuate safely. In this case, the quick actions of the teenagers likely saved their lives and enabled emergency services to locate the unconscious woman.

Key Details of the Incident

• The fire occurred at a single-storey home on Correll Way in Roxburgh Park.
• Emergency services were called at approximately 7:30 am on Thursday.
• Two teenagers were the first to notice the fire through a smoke alarm.
• They broke a window to escape the smoke and alerted emergency services.
• A third occupant, a woman in her 40s, was found unconscious in a bedroom.
• She was taken to The Alfred hospital and remains in critical condition.
• The fire was controlled within 30 minutes but caused significant damage to the property.
• The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Lessons Learned from the Incident

• Smoke alarms played a crucial role in alerting the teenagers to the danger.
• Quick decision-making by the teenagers helped them escape the fire.
• Emergency responders were able to locate and assist the unconscious woman.
• The incident underscores the need for regular maintenance of smoke alarms in homes.
• Residents should have an evacuation plan in place in case of emergencies.

What You Can Do

• Ensure that smoke alarms are installed and functioning properly in your home.
• Practice fire safety drills with family members, especially children.
• Know the location of emergency exits and how to use a fire extinguisher.
• Keep emergency contact numbers readily available.
• Report any suspicious activity or potential fire hazards to local authorities.

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of fire safety and preparedness. By taking proactive steps, individuals can significantly reduce the risk of harm during emergencies.