Woman dies in Samabula North blaze

A young woman died following a devastating house fire at Levuka Settlement, off Bureta Street in Samabula North, yesterday afternoon.

The tragedy brings the total number of fire-related fatalities this year to 13.

The National Fire Authority (NFA) confirmed receiving an emergency call at 4pm about a structural fire.

Two fire trucks from the Suva Fire Station arrived at the scene within eight minutes to find the two-bedroom corrugated iron home fully engulfed in flames.

During firefighting operations, crews were informed that someone was trapped inside.

Despite efforts to contain the blaze using water relay systems and hydrant connections, firefighters later discovered the body of a 20-year-old woman inside the property.

The house, measuring 10m by 11m, was owned by 70-year-old Shushila Wati but rented by 47-year-old Ajay Raju, a barber.

The property was not insured and suffered approximately 95 per cent damage.

Acting NFA chief executive officer Joel Israel said investigations into the cause of the fire are underway.

“Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the young woman who lost her life in this incident,” he said.

Of the 13 fire fatalities recorded so far this year, six were women and seven men. Twelve were adults, and one was a child.