Tragedy as 70-year-old grandfather of nine, who lived in the same area his whole life, dies in a horrific housefire
- Harold Smythe, a grandfather of nine, passed away in his Ripplebrook property
- He was home at the time with a friend who escaped, and believed he got out too
- Police investigating the cause and said his death will be felt in the community
A 70-year-old grandfather of nine perished in a house fire in the area he lived his entire life.
Harold Smythe passed away inside his Ripplebrook property, in Victoria’s Gippsland region, when a fire ripped through his weatherboard home early Saturday morning.
The father-of-five was inside the property with a friend when they both awoke to sound of explosions and smoke around 4am, according to 9News .
Harold Smythe (pictured) passed away inside his Ripplebrook property, in Victoria’s Gippsland region, when a fire ripped through his weatherboard home early Saturday morning
Police said the man made contact with the grandfather before escaping the house.
‘He alerted him to the fact that the place was on fire, got a positive response,’ Sergeant John Roberts said, 9News reported.
‘Realised that he didn’t have his phone with him and ran to the neighbour’s place and by the time he got back – he was unable to find his friend.’
The second man was taken to hospital for smoke inhalation.
Police are investigating whether a candle or mosquito coil ignited the fire (pictured), although the source is yet to be confirmed
Fire crews fought to control the fire for almost an hour but Mr Smythe could not be saved.
Police are investigating whether a candle or mosquito coil ignited the fire, although the source is yet to be confirmed.
The incident isn’t being treated as suspicious.
Locals described Smythe as a well-liked and respected man within his small town.
Police say the impact of his death will be felt throughout the community.
Fire crews fought to control the fire for almost an hour but Mr Smythe could not be saved