Three men have been hailed as heroes after they rescued an 89-year-old woman when an explosion rang out in south-west Sydney.
Fire and Rescue NSW said crews were deployed when a fire broke out in a villa on Maclaurin Avenue at about 3.15pm yesterday.
As firefighters approached the property, which was in a complex situated behind several homes, there was an explosion in the garage.
The blast caused significant damage to the structure, and smashed windows and ripped off roof tiles from neighbouring homes.
Metres from the fire, 89-year-old Barbara Tonks was helpless in her home, and pressed her emergency lanyard to alert her sons.
Tonks uses a wheelchair and is vision impaired.
However, three men who were passing by came to her aid.
“You could feel the heat of the flames,” rescuer Josh told 9News.
“She has gas cylinders, so it was pretty scary.”
Hany and Nizar also helped carry Tonks out as the flames neared.
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“Truthfully, Karl, it wasn’t courage, because I am of Arabic background,” Nizar joked on Today this morning.
“I saw the flames and I thought it was just another Arabic barbecue.”
He said he had banged on the door and heard Hany calling to say he needed help carrying Tonks out.
“I’m sure anybody would do that,” Nizar said.
“I don’t feel like a hero, I’m just glad everyone’s safe.”
Firefighters said 10 people were evacuated from the area.
The fire has since been extinguished.
The blaze is now under investigation.
