A couple from New South Wales has faced a heartbreaking loss after a fire destroyed their caravan and ute at the Brighton Beachfront Holiday Park in Adelaide. The incident, which occurred shortly after midnight, is estimated to have resulted in around $120,000 in damages. Authorities believe the fire was ignited by a cigarette butt that had been carelessly discarded.
The flames quickly engulfed their caravan, forcing the couple to evacuate swiftly, as the blaze spread to their vehicle. Firefighters responded rapidly, arriving on the scene within minutes, while other holidaymakers fled their accommodations in panic, fearing an explosion due to the presence of gas and fuel.
Witness Nicole Staniforth recounted the chaos, noting that many people were uncertain about how to react in such a perilous situation. The couple had travelled from Batemans Bay, NSW, to visit family in Adelaide and had been residing in their caravan while there. Staniforth described them as appearing visibly shocked, as they stood by helplessly watching their belongings and home perish in the flames, a devastating event that likely represented their entire livelihood.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact that fire can have, especially in communal living spaces such as holiday parks, and reinforces the importance of fire safety awareness.