A family of seven is now without a home after a fire devastated their two-storey, seven-bedroom residence as well as their business, a shop and Kava Bar, in Malawai, Nadi, early yesterday morning. The property was owned by Abdul Munaf, who had operated the family business for more than 35 years.
Nazil Nabeel, Mr. Munaf’s son, explained that the shop was closed over the weekend, and the family was asleep when the fire started. The cause of the blaze is currently under investigation.
“The fire seems to have begun at the back. My two-bedroom apartment, the shop, and Kava bar were all located downstairs, while our family home with five bedrooms was upstairs,” Mr. Munaf stated. “We could save nothing except the clothes we were wearing. Now, we are homeless and do not know where to stay. My parents are currently at a friend’s house.”
He expressed the emotional toll of the loss. “It was heartbreaking to see everything we worked so hard for reduced to ashes,” he lamented. The estimated damage is over $100,000.
An official from the National Fire Authority has confirmed that their team responded to the fire and is working to determine its cause. The police also reported that an investigation is ongoing.