Police have commenced a critical incident investigation after a man died on the state’s south coast today.
About 1.15pm (Thursday 13 August 2026), emergency services were called to a unit complex on Ritchie Street, Bomaderry, following reports of a concern for welfare.
Officers attached to South Coast Police District attended and located a man barricaded inside a unit who had allegedly started a fire.
A perimeter was established with the assistance of Tactical Operations Unit.
About 3.30pm, police gained entry into the unit and located a 57-year-old man inside.
A fire was also located inside the unit, which was extinguished by Fire and Rescue NSW.
The man was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics at the scene; however, he could not be revived.
He is yet to be formally identified.
A crime scene was established and a Critical Incident Team from Wollongong Police District will lead the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the man’s death.
The investigation will be reviewed by the Professional Standards Command and oversighted by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC).
A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is managed on a confidential basis. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
