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Several killed in Sydney nursing home fire
At least three died and 14 are in serious condition after a fire broke out in the Quakers Hill Nursing Home in Sydney. Police are not ruling out that the fire might have been intentional.
Firefighters told media that they were faced by their "worst nightmare" when they were called on the scene at a nursing home in Sydney. Fire engulfed the building, leading to a "chaotic and tragic" scene.
"This is a firefighter's worst nightmare - turning up to a nursing home where there are elderly people who can't get themselves out of harm's way," said Fire and Rescue commissioner Greg Mullins told media.
"We had dozens of firefighters in breathing apparatus working in thick black smoke where they couldn't see their hands in front of their faces, so imagine what it was like for the elderly trying to escape."
Even though police said it was unclear whether there was anything which raised suspicion that it was a case of arson, police believe the fire broke out in two areas of the facility.
Homicide and arson squad detectives were on the scene to investigate.
Meanwhile, conflicting reports on the actual number of elderly killed in the fire keep coming in, as some report between three, seven and nine dead.
Emergency services also reported a chaotic and frightful scene with dozens of disorientated people lying on bed or sitting in wheelchairs outside the home.
Some 100 people were evacuated from the building.
Firefighters told the media that they were faced by their "worst nightmare" when they were called on the scene at a nursing home in Sydney. Fire engulfed the building, leading to a "chaotic and tragic" scene.
"This is a firefighter's worst nightmare - turning up to a nursing home where there are elderly people who can't get themselves out of harm's way," said Fire and Rescue commissioner Greg Mullins told media.
"We had dozens of firefighters in breathing apparatus working in thick black smoke where they couldn't see their hands in front of their faces, so imagine what it was like for the elderly trying to escape."
Even though police said it was unclear whether there was anything which raised suspicion that it was a case of arson, police believe the fire broke out in two areas of the facility.
Homicide and arson squad detectives were on the scene to investigate.
Meanwhile, conflicting reports on the actual number of elderly killed in the fire keep coming in, as some report between three, seven and nine dead.
Emergency services also reported a chaotic and frightful scene with dozens of disorientated people lying on bed or sitting in wheelchairs outside the home.
Some 100 people were evacuated from the building.
