Two killed in Nakasi house fire despite rescue efforts

Five neighbors risked their lives battling flames with buckets and hoses trying to save two men trapped in a double-storey house fire in Nakasi on Friday night, but their heroic efforts were in vain.

Among those who rushed to help was pregnant mother Tupou Vitinia Delai and Luisa Tevulu, who covered her face with a wet cloth as she fought the rapidly spreading fire that started around 8pm at Matana Street.

"When we were trying to stop the fire, even my kids were there too. Then I had to chase them to come back inside," Ms Tevulu said.

The fire claimed the lives of a former lawyer in his 60s and his 42-year-old son. The two children in the house escaped, but lost their father just two years after losing their mother.

According to the victims' wife and mother, the fire started when her grandson was cooking and forgot to turn off the gas cylinder in the downstairs flat.

Ms Delai said she asked the children who was inside when she arrived.

"The two kids said, only grandpa is inside the house. So I told them, get the grandpa out," she recalled.

Despite calling the National Fire Authority three times, the five neighbors fought desperately with buckets while one used a hosepipe, but low water pressure couldn't match the fast-spreading flames.

"The water pressure was low and the fire was really fast," Ms Delai said.

The family is now staying at their relative place also in Nakasi. The Fiji Sun approached the family however they respectfully declined as they were still traumatised by the tragedy.

Both women advised the public to always prioritise their lives during emergencies. "You only have one life," they said.

Police and NFA investigations continue.