A man whose uninsured home was razed to the ground in Australia’s bush-fires has won £500,000.
Yesterday he described his lottery jackpot as a “miracle”.
He struck lucky in the Gold Lotto draw by choosing his wife’s “special numbers” and will now rebuild his home in fire ravaged New South Wales.
Although choosing not to be identified, he said of his win: “This really has come at the most incredible time. All that was left of the home was a few charred teacups.”
Meanwhile, high winds and temperatures topping 40C yesterday sparked new alarm in eastern Australia.
Thousands living in East Gippsland and North-East Victoria were told to flee amid fears that a “mega-blaze” will devastate towns.
Royal Navy Lt Cdr Nick Grimmer, 35, of Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, has flown dozens of helicopter rescue missions while on a military exchange.
He called the devastation “truly horrific” and said it is “heart-breaking” to see the impact of the fires on wildlife.
On Kangaroo Island, in South Australia, raging blazes have killed 25,000 koalas.
