Guests including Academy Award-winning actress Kate Winslet escaped uninjured when fire destroyed Richard Branson’s Caribbean home during a tropical storm Monday. VIDEO: Branson holiday home burns down Richard Branson
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The Virgin Group boss said about 20 people, including Winslet and her children, were staying in the eight-bedroom Great House on Necker, his private isle in the British Virgin Islands. VIDEO: Branson holiday home burns down Richard Branson
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He said the fire broke out around 4 a.m. during a tropical storm with lightning and high winds, and Sam managed to help evacuate Winslet and other guests from the house. VIDEO: Branson holiday home burns down Richard Branson
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Tropical Storm Irene walloped the Virgin islands and headed toward Puerto Rico late Sunday and early Monday, strengthening into a hurricane Monday with winds of about 80 mph, according to the US National Hurricane Center. Branson said the guests, including his 90-year-old mother and his daughter Holly, 29, all managed to get out safely. VIDEO: Branson holiday home burns down Richard Branson
