SYDNEY – A beloved member of Sydney’s Greek community has died after becoming trapped inside her burning apartment alongside the family’s dog in the eastern suburb of Randwick.
Vicky Valacas, aged in her late 70s, was unable to escape after a fire broke out in the couple’s first-floor unit on Alison Road about 3pm on Tuesday.
Emergency services, including Fire and Rescue NSW, rushed to the scene and extinguished the blaze, but the apartment was extensively damaged.
Mrs Valacas was rescued from the unit and treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics. Despite their efforts, she died at the scene.
The family’s dog, Bobby, also perished in the fire.
Her husband, Minos Valacas, who had shared 34 years of marriage with Vicky, escaped the apartment and was treated for smoke inhalation.
Police established a crime scene and have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire, which is believed to have started in the kitchen. A report will be prepared for the Coroner.
The death has deeply saddened Sydney’s Greek community, where the Valacas family is well known
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