Residents killed as fire rips through nursing home

Up to nine elderly people died when fire ripped through a nursing home in western Sydney this morning, in what fire crews are calling the city’s worst blaze for 30 years.

Fire crews were forced to crawl through thick smoke on their hands and knees to search beds and cupboards for residents after the fire broke out at the Principal home in Hambledon Road, Quakers Hill, shortly before 5:00am (AEDT).

Police say up to nine people lost their lives. Around 20 people have been taken to hospital. Most have smoke inhalation or minor burns, but some have suffered serious injuries.

At least one woman in her 80s has received burns to 20 per cent of her body — via redwolf.newsvine.com