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An elderly man whose body was found among the charred remains of a caravan engulfed in flames in Melbourne west is identified.
Fire crews responded to reports of a fire at Honey Hush Caravan Park in Laverton North at around 6.30pm on Sunday.
WATCH ABOVE: Neighbors’ frantic efforts to save man trapped in burning caravan
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“Crews arrived to find a caravan fully alight with bystanders reporting someone was inside,” Fire Rescue Victoria said.
Despite the efforts of brave residents armed with a garden hose and an axe, and firefighters using multiple hoses to douse the flames, the caravan was destroyed.
Witnesses say the fire spread quickly to the neighboring cabin, fueled by gas cylinders and clutter, but its occupant managed to escape.
After extinguishing the fire, firefighters searched the charred shell of the caravan and found the body of long-term resident Ross Laycock, also known as Ken, who is believed to be in his 70s.
Neighbors described the victim as reclusive and said he had lived at the site for more than 15 years alone with his cats, but was friendly and always happy to chat.
Honey Hush Caravan Park co-owner Anne-Marie Tedesco described the frantic scenes as the caravan was engulfed in flames.
“Everybody was out there trying to do things to get him out first and then they realized it was too dangerous,” she told reporters.
“But the way they all stayed together, hugged each other, looked out for each other, it was really wonderful to see.
“Wherever he is now, I hope he’s in a better place.”
The cause of the fire will be investigated by Victoria Police with the assistance of firefighters.
However, police are not treating the fire as suspicious.
– with AAP
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