Neighbour's Heroic Rescue Saves Elderly Woman From Burning Maroubra Apartment

A dramatic early morning rescue unfolded in Maroubra when a local resident risked his life to save an elderly woman trapped in a burning second-storey apartment on Portland Crescent.

Emergency services rushed to the scene around 4.15am on Sunday, 31 August, after flames were spotted engulfing the unit. While a 78-year-old man managed to escape the fire, his 74-year-old partner remained trapped inside the smoke-filled apartment.

In an act of courage, a neighbour entered the burning building and successfully helped the woman to safety. However, she sustained severe burns during the ordeal and was transported to Royal North Shore Hospital where she remains in serious condition.

Both the elderly man who initially escaped and the Good Samaritan neighbour were taken to Prince of Wales Hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation. Medical staff report both men are in stable condition.

The incident prompted the evacuation of the entire unit block as Fire and Rescue NSW crews worked to contain the blaze. While firefighters successfully prevented the fire from spreading beyond the original unit, several neighbouring apartments suffered smoke and water damage from the emergency response efforts.

Eastern Beaches Police Area Command officers have established a crime scene at the location. Specialist Scene of Crime Officers and Fire Investigators are expected to examine the premises to determine what caused the fire.

The Portland Crescent incident highlights the quick thinking and bravery that can emerge in crisis situations, with the neighbour’s swift action potentially saving a life. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on the recovery of those injured and supporting residents displaced by the evacuation.

Local authorities have not yet indicated when residents will be able to return to the affected building or provided estimates for repair work on the damaged units.

Published 31-August-2025