Kate Winslet saves billionaire's mother from blaze

Actress Kate Winslet carried Richard Branson's elderly mother to safety after the tycoon's luxury home on Necker Island burned down around them on Sunday (21Aug11), Contactmusic.com reports

All photos: Splash/All Over Press

The Titanic actress and 20 other guests were staying at the private Caribbean retreat in the British Virgin Islands when lightening hit the wooden property, setting it ablaze.

All photos: Splash/All Over Press

All guests escaped unharmed, and Branson has paid tribute to brave Winslet after she gathered 90-year-old Eve in her arms and ran from the burning building.

All photos: Splash/All Over Press

The house was completely destroyed by the fire, but billionaire Branson has vowed to rebuild the property in time for his daughter, Contactmusic.com says

All photos: Splash/All Over Press

"Many thanks to Kate Winslet for helping to carry my 90 year mum out of the main house to safety," Branson wrote on his blog

All photos: Splash/All Over Press

All photos: Splash/All Over Press

All photos: Splash/All Over Press

All photos: Splash/All Over Press