Police remain at the scene of a fatal house fire that occurred in Lake Macquarie yesterday afternoon.
About 1.30pm (Thursday 20 August 2026), emergency services were called to Northcote Avenue, Swansea, following reports of a fire.
Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District arrived and found a house well alight.
At the scene, police were told that the house was occupied by an 87-year-old woman and two five-year-old girls.
One of the girls was located during a search of the home and was unable to be revived.
Police have been told the other girl was uninjured.
The elderly woman was taken to the John Hunter Hospital in a serious condition, suffering burns.
A 16-year-old boy who attempted to gain entry to the property was taken to hospital for the treatment of a leg injury.
A 37-year-old man who had forced entry to the home to assist was not injured.
The fire has since been extinguished by Fire and Rescue NSW firefighters, and a crime scene has been established.
The home is being assessed by an engineer, and officers will complete a forensic examination of the home today (Friday 21 August 2026).
A section of Northcote Road remains closed, with police on scene able to assist local traffic.
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