A tragic incident occurred this afternoon in Navakai, Nadi, where a 71-year-old man lost his life in a house fire. National Fire Authority Chief Executive Puamau Sowane reported that the victim was a stroke patient and unable to escape the flames. Unfortunately, the house was situated outside the fire service’s operational area, complicating response efforts.
Ajay Prakash Singh, the victim’s son-in-law, shared the heart-wrenching details of his last moments with his father-in-law. He had briefly left the home to run errands in town after ensuring his father-in-law had everything he needed. Shortly after, a neighbor informed him that their house was engulfed in smoke. Upon returning, Singh found his home ablaze and desperately searched for his father-in-law.
In light of this tragedy, Sowane emphasized the importance of never leaving vulnerable individuals alone at home, as they may be unable to evacuate in emergency situations. The NFA is currently working to ascertain the fire’s cause, given the challenges of responding outside their designated boundaries.
This unfortunate event follows a series of recent fire incidents, including additional fatalities in Nadroumai Village, which has raised concerns about overall fire safety in the region. The Fiji Police Force is actively urging homeowners to conduct regular inspections for potential fire hazards around their properties, reinforcing that fire safety should be a priority for everyone.
The community’s unity and strength during these challenging times highlight the importance of communal vigilance and proactive fire safety practices. By working together and improving safety protocols, there’s hope that such tragedies can be prevented in the future.
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