Families flee with nothing as fire destroys Nausori flats

Families ran for their lives with little more than the clothes on their backs as a fast-moving fire tore through a block of flats in Duilomaloma, Nausori, early this morning.

The blaze destroyed five flats and three vehicles, leaving several families homeless and counting heavy losses.

Residents said thick smoke and flames spread quickly through the building, which housed multiple families, giving them little time to react.

Some managed to escape in the chaos, while others watched helplessly as their homes and belongings were consumed.

Owner of the flats, Suvhash Chand, said everything inside was lost.

“All the belongings inside were burned down. Nothing was saved,” he said.

Fridges, washing machines and other household items were destroyed, along with vehicles parked nearby.

Mr Chand estimated the damage at around $300,000.

During the incident, a child was rushed to hospital after being injured. The child’s condition has not been confirmed.

Firefighters managed to contain the blaze, but not before it caused extensive damage.

The cause of the fire remains unknown and investigations are ongoing.

For the affected families, the focus now shifts to recovery — coming to terms with the loss and starting again from nothing.