Lucky escape for Melbourne woman trapped inside burning home

An elderly woman has been rescued from her burning home in Melbourne’s south-east after neighbours risked their lives to help save her.

Firefighters found 76-year-old Lynne Williams lying unconscious on the kitchen floor of her Bentleigh property.

“We saw her being carried out and I didn't really have any hope and she sat up and we were all in shock,” neighbour Tara Hurley said.

She suffered severe smoke inhalation and was taken to The Alfred hospital.

Before crews arrived, neighbour Stuart Hurley had bravely attempted to free Mrs Williams from her burning house.

As he risked his own life, his daughter watched on in disbelief as parts of the roof started to collapse.

“I was just screaming at him to get out,” Ms Hurley said.

Fire investigators say the blaze started beside the bed and believe it was accidentally lit.

They say Mrs Williams had been trying to escape out the back door when she was overcome by smoke.

“Another couple of minutes and the lady was in deep trouble. It could have ended a lot worse,” Acting Commander Peter Yeoman said.

Mrs Williams remains in a serious but stable condition.