After an initial attempt to save her father-in-law trapped in their burning home, Christin Singh couldn’t do much even as she heard his voice crying out for help.

Rajendra Singh, 73, died after his home in Sigatoka caught fire at 11am on Sunday.

Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro said the incident occurred at Semo, Sigatoka. Ms Naisoro said the victim was alleged to have gone back into the house, in an attempt to put out the fire, but was trapped inside, resulting in tragedy:

The victim was alleged to have been in the home with his daughter-in-law, Christin and his granddaughter, Ashna Singh when the fire occurred.

Mrs Christin said after saving her daughter she ran back inside the house for the victim, but he refused.

“I tried to pull his hand, but he refused. He told me he will do everything to save the house,” she said.

“After few minutes later, I heard him calling for help, I tried to go back inside the house, but with the thick black smoke inside I couldn’t see him.”

The victim’s son Jagendra Singh, who was at work during the fire, said his father always took care of his small family:

“When I go out or to work, I know my family is safe because dad is always there to protect my family,” Mr Singh said.

“Now that he is no longer here, life won’t be the same for us. After work we would drink kava and he always advised me what needs to be done.

“I miss dad. He sacrifices building this house by cutting sugarcane and with his social welfare money: That is why he wanted to save the house.”

National Fire Authority and Police have started their investigations, Ms Naisoro said.

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