A family of ten has been left homeless after a tragic fire engulfed their seven-bedroom home in Toorak, Suva, yesterday afternoon. The family believes that an electrical fault sparked the blaze, which resulted in a nearby gas cylinder explosion.
At the time of the incident, 22-year-old Sisilia Vulakeibau was at home and vividly recalls the events as they unfolded. She described the house as an old structure, and despite the timely arrival of the National Fire Authority, the flames spread rapidly.
Vulakeibau shared, “I managed to get the children out. I thought about the huge loss, but it does not compare to the lives that were saved. I am thankful to the Lord that no one was hurt.” Her father, Maikeli Vulakibau, was unaware of the situation until he reached his workplace.
Currently, the family is seeking refuge at the Marist Brothers Primary School hall, where they are waiting for further assistance and exploring options for temporary accommodation. An investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.
This unfortunate incident highlights the risks posed by electrical faults in older homes and underscores the need for regular safety checks to prevent such devastating events in the future. As the Vulakibau family navigates this difficult time, community support will be essential in helping them rebuild their lives.
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