A fire in Malawai, Nadi, has left seven family members homeless after their two-storey, seven-bedroom house, along with their shop and Kava Bar, was destroyed early yesterday morning.
The property, which was owned by Abdul Munaf, had served as a family business for over 35 years. His son, Nazil Nabeel, explained that the shop was closed Saturday night and the family was asleep when the fire started. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
“The fire is believed to have originated from the back. My two-bedroom apartment, along with the shop and Kava Bar, was located downstairs, while our family home, which has five bedrooms, was upstairs,” Mr. Munaf stated.
He added, “We were unable to save anything except the clothes we were wearing. Right now, we are homeless and do not know where to go. My parents are staying with friends.”
Mr. Munaf described the loss as a heartbreaking experience, saying, “We were in tears witnessing everything we worked hard for being consumed by the flames.” He estimated the damage to be over $100,000.
The National Fire Authority confirmed that their officers responded to the fire and are currently investigating its cause. The police have also announced that an investigation is ongoing.