Elderly Man Dies in House Fire, Wife Critically Injured
“Police said the victim was trapped inside the house when the fire broke out. The cause of fire is yet to be established,” Police said in a statement.
Wednesday 12 June 2024 | 09:56
The remains of the fire at Qaliwau settlement, Lautoka on June 11, 2024. Photo: Salote Qalubau/Inset: The late Vinod Kumar.
A house fire in Lautoka on Monday morning claimed the life of a 75-year-old man, while his wife is currently in critical condition after trying to save him.
Vinod Kumar, who was bedridden because of a stroke four years ago, was asleep in his room when the fire broke out at 9.45am at their residence in Qaliwalu Settlement.
His wife, 73-year-old Dhanahi Wati, is admitted in the Burns Unit at the Aspen Medical-managed Lautoka Hospital, suffering severe burns.
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The fire spread so fast and engulfed the two-flat property, where Mr Kumar resided with his wife, son, daughter, and two other relatives. The adjacent flat was occupied by his daughter-in-law, Shayam Kala, and her son.
The flames quickly spread and consumed the two-flat property where Mr Kumar lived with his wife, son, daughter, and two other relatives. His daughter-in-law, Shayam Kala, and her son lived in the adjacent flat.
Ms Kala said she was at work during the time of the incident.
“My father-in-law couldn’t walk because of his stroke and uses a wheelchair to move around. After breakfast that day, he took his medication and slept around 10 o’clock. This is his daily routine,” she said.
Ms Kala said that her mother-in-law tried to save the victim, but was unsuccessful.
The fire rapidly engulfed both flats in a span of 10 to 15 minutes, leading to the destruction of both homes by a gas cylinder explosion.
The family had lived in the now-destroyed homes for 40 years. Ms Kala described the effort and hardship that went into building the house.
“We worked hard to build our home. At the time, we were very poor. My husband passed away eight years ago, and it is just me and my son staying here. Now, everything is gone. We need clothes and groceries, but in the meantime, we are staying with neighbours temporarily,” she said.
“He (Mr Kumar) was a good person. We will wait for the post-mortem report before making funeral his arrangement.”
Police confirmed the report yesterday.
“Police said the victim was trapped inside the house when the fire broke out. The cause of fire is yet to be established,” Police said in a statement.
National Fire Authority chief executive officer Puamau Sowane confirmed the report and said that they would prepare a detailed media statement.
Mr Kumar is survived by his wife, six children, 18 grandchildren and two great grand-children.
Members of the public who wish to assist the family may contact Ms Kala on 9927863.
Feedback: salote.qalubau@fijisun.com.fj
