Bec Hewitt's miracle escape

Bec Hewitt rescued her terrified children after lightning struck their Bahamas home last week, setting alight one floor of the mansion.

Former Home And Away star Bec Hewitt was forced to flee with her three children when a fire broke out at their mansion in the beautiful Bahamas on Sunday, July 22. Emergency services on the ground report that Bec was lucky to escape unhurt from the terrifying ordeal, when the house was hit by lightning during a freak storm on the tropical island paradise.

“It must have been very frightening for the people there,” confirms Sergeant Anthony Mitchell, of the Nassau Fire Department. He says if it hadn’t been for the quick response from fire fighters, the house would have burned to the ground. “The lightning struck in the attic section of the house, which received extensive fire and smoke damage,” he reports. Bec’s husband Lleyton was “devastated” that he was not there to save his family. He was half a world away in England, preparing for the London Olympic Games, when the blaze broke out. “Lleyton is horrified by the enormity of the near tragedy,” shares one close friend. “He is also upset because he wasn’t there to protect his family when they needed him most.”

Fortunately Bec’s mum Michelle was staying to lend a hand with the children during Lleyton’s absence, and was able to help Bec get Mia, 6, Cruz, 3, and 21-month-old Ava to safety. Neighbours reported the blaze on Sunday morning, with Lynford Cay Fire Department requesting assistance at 11.09am.

Three fire engines rushed to try to save the mansion, which suffered smoke, fire and water damage. “All the insulation got damaged in the ceiling, along with a window,” says Sergeant Mitchell. “I couldn’t tell you whether it was blown out by lightning or the fire – but either is possible.