PHOTO: Sydney real estate agent Julie Bundock
During preparations for an open house, Sydney real estate agent Julie Bundock inadvertently ignited a fire at a multi-million dollar property on Sydney’s northern beaches. The incident occurred when Bundock, noticing bedding left on the deck by the current renters, moved the sheets into a downstairs room, placing them on a shelf beneath a wall-mounted light which she then switched on. Approximately 20 minutes later, a significant fire erupted, destroying the entire four-bedroom house on Riverview Road in Avalon Beach.
The property, valued at around $3 million, and all its contents were lost in the blaze. Subsequently, the owner, Peter Alan Bush, who had been preparing to sell the property, pursued legal action, as did the four renters whose belongings were consumed by the fire.
Reggie Songaila, Lauren Coulter, Elise Coulter and Ella Dixon lost almost all of their belongings in the Avalon house fire. Picture: Supplied
In his ruling, Chief Judge in Equity Justice David Hammerschlag found Bundock liable, stating that she “actively created the risk of fire and the consequent harm.” He ordered Bundock’s employer, Domain Residential Northern Beaches, to compensate Mr. Bush $740,642 for the loss of the property and a combined $121,475 to the affected renters.
The house pictured prior to the fire. Picture: Supplied
Judge Hammerschlag emphasized the foreseeability of the risk, noting that Bundock’s actions were the primary cause of the catastrophe. Despite attempts by Domain Residential Northern Beaches to shift responsibility onto Mr. Bush and the renters for not disclosing the potential hazard of the shelf heating up due to the light, the court dismissed these claims, asserting that Bundock acted independently and her actions were solely responsible for the damage.
Throughout the proceedings, Bundock was characterized as an “aggressive and uncooperative witness,” with her testimony influenced by the awareness of her role in the incident.
The court heard the sheets may have been damp at the time, which could have contributed to the fire. Picture: Supplied
Domain Residential Northern Beaches declined to comment on the judgment, while Bundock could not be reached for comment.
SOURCE: NEWS.COM.AU