Famed Hollywood actress Kate Winslet has escaped a life-threatening fire at a friend's house, bravely rescuing his own elderly mother, report agencies.

The British actress was guesting together with 20 other people at the Virgin Islands villa of Virgin Records founder Richard Branson.

A heavy tropical storm developed in the area, and apparently a bolt of lightning struck the villa, setting it ablaze, reports the BBC quoted by RIA Novosti.

Winslet reacted immediately, not losing courage, and helped rescue Branson's 90-year-old mother, who was in a nearby building at the time of the fire.

Footage from the BBC shows the house almost completely demolished by the flames.

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