A fire in Malawai, Nadi, has left seven family members homeless after it destroyed their two-storey, seven-bedroom house, as well as their shop and Kava Bar. The incident occurred yesterday morning and has devastated the family business owned by Abdul Munaf, which had been in operation for over 35 years.
Nazil Nabeel, the owner’s son, stated that the family had closed the shop on Saturday night and were asleep when the fire started. The cause is currently under investigation. Mr. Munaf indicated that the fire likely began at the back of the property, affecting the two-bedroom apartment, shop, Kava bar located on the ground floor, as well as their five-bedroom home upstairs.
“There is nothing that we could save except the clothes we were wearing. Right now, we are homeless and don’t know where to stay. My parents are at a friend’s place,” he shared. Describing the loss, he conveyed the emotional toll, saying, “We were in tears witnessing all that we have worked for being destroyed in the flames.” The estimated damage is more than $100,000.
The National Fire Authority has sent officers to the scene and is investigating, with support from the police as they look into the cause of the fire.