Broken Hill inferno: Elderly man dies in housefire as investigators say no smoke alarms fitted

Max Corstorphan
The Nightly
The body of a man in his 70s has been found after a fire tore through a home in Broken Hill.
The body of a man in his 70s has been found after a fire tore through a home in Broken Hill. Credit: X

An elderly man has died after a fire tore through a house that Police believe did not have smoke alarms fitted.

Emergency services responded to reports of flames at a semi-detached home on Argent Street, Broken Hill at around 1am.

Firefighters faced intense conditions and were initially unable to enter the blazing building.

Sign up to The Nightly's newsletters.

Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox.

Email Us
By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.

It took over two hours for firefighters to gain access safely, at which point they discovered the body of a man in a bedroom.

The deceased, who is yet to be formally identified, is believed to be the home’s occupant, a man in his 70s.

Residents of neighbouring properties were evacuated until the fire was brought under control.

Specialist fire investigators are examining the scene to determine the cause of the fire.

Preliminary reports suggest that the blaze may have originated in the fireplace.

A NSW Police spokesperson said: “The home did not appear to have smoke detectors fitted.”

Authorities are urging anyone with information regarding this incident to contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000.

Latest Edition

The Nightly cover for 04-12-2024

Latest Edition

Edition Edition 4 December 20244 December 2024

GDP numbers reveal how Government billions are masking the economic mess we’re really in.