Man dies after attempt to help church member

A father of two died after trying to help a man salvage items from his burning home in Nadroumai Village, Nadroga, on Monday afternoon.

Mesake Lalai, 47, is said to have collapsed at the home as he tried to remove items from one of the rooms.

The house belongs to the Methodist Church and is occupied by Paula Labalabala, a Methodist Church steward.

He said, Mr Lalai’s commitment towards the church and community was more than words could say.

“He lost his life in an act of love,” he said.

“He tried to save some of the belonging…he always gave his best for the church.

“He would be the first person to give his input in the works of the church or the vanua.”

Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro said the victim was rushed to the Sigatoka Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

“Investigations continue, and a post-mortem will be conducted to confirm the cause of death,” she said.

“There have been several fire cases reported in recent days, and the Fiji Police Force is urging home and property owners to always take necessary precautionary measures by checking fire hazards in and around their homes.”

The late Mr Lailai is survived by his wife, Unaisi and their two children.

His eldest son, Mitieli Navure plays rugby for the Ratu Kadavulevu School Under 14 side that plays this Saturday at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.

The funeral is next week.

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