Resident dead after ‘suspicious’ fire at Victorian retirement village
An elderly man has died after a fire, which is believed to have been suspiciously lit, burnt through two units at a retirement village north of Melbourne.
The 78-year-old man was a resident of Kingsgate Village on Royal Parade in Kilmore, which is about 65km north of Melbourne’s CBD, according to police.
His remains were found inside a unit that was partially destroyed by fire, where he had been living with his wife.
His wife managed to escape the fire physically unharmed, Acting Inspector Jaymee Cutler said.
“His wife is obviously in a fair bit of shock,” she told reporters
A couple who lived in a second unit, which was completely destroyed in the blaze, managed to escape unharmed, police have said.
More than 22 emergency service vehicles were called to village after the fire started about 6am.
About 40 residents evacuated themselves before firefighters were on scene.
Residents of the village have told 9News they heard a “huge explosion” around the time the fire started.
The fire was declared under control at 7.13am, but firefighters were still extinguishing part of the fire and blacking out hot spots about 8am.
The scene of the fire has since become a crime scene, with police telling 9News the cause of the fire is believed to be suspicious.
Royal Parade has been closed.
