An elderly couple, Gyan Wati, 63, and Uday Chand, 62, tragically lost their lives in a house fire on Valemasima Road in Votualevu, Nadi, early yesterday morning. Their son, Uden Chand, recounted the harrowing experience, noting that the fire spread rapidly, preventing him from rescuing his parents.
Uden shared that he was awakened around midnight by his wife, who alerted him to the smoke filling the house. He managed to escape with his son and wife through the back door, but when he attempted to return to help his parents, the flames had engulfed the entire structure. Uden recalled his father’s desperate cries to unlock the door, pleading for help for his ailing mother, leaving him feeling utterly helpless.
The fire ravaged their four-bedroom home, leaving Uden and his family with nothing but the clothes on their backs. Currently, they are receiving support from a neighbor as they navigate this devastating loss.
Puamau Sowane, CEO of the National Fire Authority, expressed deep sorrow over the incident, emphasizing that it should serve as a wake-up call for communities regarding fire safety. Investigations by both the police and the National Fire Authority are underway to determine the cause of the fire.
This heartbreaking event highlights the importance of fire safety awareness and preparedness in homes, as every second can count in emergency situations.