Deuba Fire Disrupts Funeral Plans

A family who had lost a father last week was left in despair after the home where they were supposed to hold the funeral in was destroyed in a fire yesterday.

The three-bedroom house in Taunovo, Deu­ba, was engulfed in flames at around 8.15am.

The 8 people who were in the house at the time of the incident escaped without any injuries.

The Deuba house was the home of the late Oliver Mongston and his funeral was expect­ed to take place there this Friday.

Mr Mongston, 54, passed away last Thurs­day and his family and friends had converged at his residence for funeral preparations.

His nephew, Livai Ikanikoda, said it was a difficult time for the family and the unexpect­ed turn of events has left them in despair.

“I was sleeping in my uncle’s room when the incident occurred,” Mr Ikanikoda said.

“I was trying to pull the blanket over myself when I felt the heat, that’s how I woke up. The stuff in the room including the mats for the funeral were burning.

“My uncle’s funeral was supposed to take place from here. All the preparations were being done.”

He said by the time the National Fire Au­thority had arrived, it was too late to miti­gate the devastation.

Mr Mongston’s funeral will now take place from his brother’s residence, also in Taunovo Deuba NFA is investigating the incident.

Edited by Susana Tuilau

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