Kate Winslet Survives Blaze on Richard Branson's Island, Rescues His Mother
Posted 08.22.11 by Chris
Some harrowing news from the world of the lifestyles of the rich and famous. The AP reports Kate Winslet escaped a fire that broke out on the private isle of billionaire Richard Branson.
According to the report, the Academy Award-winning actress and her children, along with 20 other guests, were staying on Branson's private Caribbean island, Necker Island, when a fire broke out around 4 a.m. during a tropic storm.
Branon's 25-year-old son, Sam, helped Winslet and other guests from the house. All the guests, including Branson and his 90-year-old mother and daughter, 29, were able to get to safety. Richard Branson credits Winslet with saving his mother's life.
"Kate Winslet, her boyfriend and her family were there and Holly and some of her friends were also staying," Branson said. "My mother was there and they managed to get her out and she is fine."
On his blog, Branson said the turns of events resembled a movie set. The main house was destroyed. Branson said his office was based at that home and that thousands of photographs and notebooks were lost.
But all friends and family are well — which in the end is all that really matters. We will rebuild the house as soon as we can.
On his YouTube page, Branson posted video of the fire.
We're glad everyone got out safely. Who knew Branson and Winslet were close pals?