Deadly blaze claims mum
The fire also destroyed two other homes in the area, resulting in residents frantically trying to escape the intense blaze.
Monday 17 March 2025 | 11:29
The body of Miriama Radinikuva, 37, (pictured inset) who died in the blaze is being loaded onto a Police vehicle. Photo: Sosiveta Korobiau
A mother of five was killed in a horrific house fire at Veiquwawa Settlement in Raiwaqa yesterday afternoon.
Miriama Radinikuva, 37, was consumed by the flames, leaving behind five children and a severely injured husband. Her husband, Viliame Baravi, remains in critical condition.
The fire also destroyed two other homes in the area, resulting in residents frantically trying to escape the intense blaze.
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Although the cause of the fire is still under investigation, there have been reports from neighbours on ongoing domestic disputes between Ms Radinikuva and her husband.
Fatality
Ms Radinikuva perished in the blaze.
Though the rest of the family were able to escape the fire, most of them are still grappling with what they witnessed.
Litia Daulekeba, Ms Radinikuva’s mother-in-law, tried to comfort her grandchildren, while holding back tears.
“I really don’t know what happened, but at this time, I know my grandchildren are just as shocked as I am,” Ms Daulekeba said.
Mr Baravi, though badly burned, was rescued by his wife’s cousin, Navitalai Tiritabua, who rushed to the scene after hearing screams from the house.
National Fire Authority officers continue to douse the burnt property with water after it was engulfed by flames at Veiquwawa Settlement in Raiwaqa, Suva, on March 16, 2025. Photo: Leon Lord
Harrowing moments
Mr Tiritabua described the harrowing moments when he found the family members trying to escape the flames.
“I left my food and ran outside to see the commotion; only to find my five nephews and my brother-in-law slowly exiting the house to the porch,” he recalled.
“As soon as I saw this, the first thing I did was run to the house and carry them out.”
The intense heat of the fire left Mr Baravi with severe burns.
“The fire was too hot; by the time I carried my brother-in-law out, his back was burnt and extending to his arm and hands. After that, I tried to find help to get him to the hospital because he looked really bad,” Mr Tiritabua said.
By the time the National Fire Authority (NFA) arrived, the fire was nearly extinguished, but the damage done was clearly visible.
Shalveena Singh, 36, resident at a nearby home, described the moment when she realised the size of the blaze.
“Our house is literally just below them; when my mother screamed, I came running out only to find the house fully engulfed in flames,” she said, visibly shaken.
“It was getting really hot, and we were worried about our vehicles, all parked on the other side, so I called the Police.”
The NFA confirmed the incident last night as investigations continue.
As of now, no responses have been received from the Police leaving many questions unanswered as the community grapples with their loss.
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