Tragedy as hero neighbour runs into a burning home and saves elderly grandmother but is left devastated after her 72-year-old husband dies in the blaze
- A 72-year-old grandfather was killed in a house fire but his wife, 71, was rescued
- Neighbours frantically attempted to put out the flames with little success
- A 56-year-old ran into the flames to save the wife and received minor burns
A devastated grandmother has been left widowed after her husband died in a horror house fire.
Ricky, 72, and Josie Reid, 71, were trapped inside their home in Acacia Ridge, Queensland, when a fire broke out at 10pm on Thursday.
Their neighbour Mick Schmidt suffered minor burns after racing into the couple’s burning home.
Ricky, 72, and Josie Reid, 71, were trapped inside their home in Acacia Ridge, Queensland, when a fire broke out at 10pm on Thursday
He managed to help Josie to safety, but he could not reach her husband Ricky who was trapped in a burning bedroom.
Mr Schmidt, who fed his garden hose through a window to fight the flames, says he’s no hero and he wishes he could have done more.
‘Things were exploding inside,’ he told the ABC.
‘If I would have got Ricky out, then I’d say yes to being a hero.
‘But other than that I just done what any normal Australian person would do for their fellow man.’
The close-knit community have mourned the loss of Mr Reid remembering his as an old trucker with a kind heart.
‘Such a funny lovely man RIP condolences to family and Josie,’ a neighbour wrote.
Another neighbour, Rydell Murray, who tried to save the couple said he wished we could have done more.
‘R.i.p Ricky, I tried my best mate to help but I couldn’t get you out..thoughts and prayers with family and friends at this sad time,’ he said.
The close-knit community have mourned the loss of Mr Reid remembering his as an old trucker with a kind heart
Neighbours fought to save the home and twice thought they put out the fire but it kept reigniting
Neighbour Dean Hollis said people in the street were running around frantically, and twice thought they put out the fire but it kept reigniting.
Mrs Reid was treated in hospital for respiratory issues. Mr Schmidt suffered minor burns.
Police have established a crime scene as experts work to determine the cause of the fire.
Neighbours said the couple had lived in the home for about 15 years and were well known in the community.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services inspector Timothy Clark confirmed fire crews had found the body of a man inside the home.
Police have encouraged anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.