Waiting to Say Last Goodbyes

Son of one of the four women who died in fire waits to take her body for funeral today

Afamily who lost their mother in a house fire at Benau, Labasa, on Thursday, is hoping to see her one last time in order to say goodbye.

Anand Singh, the eldest son of the deceased, Dharmi, said he was making every effort to communicate with the Police since they plan to have her funeral today

Police confirmed that the case been classified as arson after the National Fire Authority and Energy Fiji Limited submitted their findings to the investigating team.

The Manager Forensics and Science Services Superintendent of Police (SP), Margaret Marshall, is in the Northern Division and will work with the Divisional Crime Officer and team of investigators in determining the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.

Mr Singh, an employee of the Labasa Town Council, said when he visited the Labasa Police Station yesterday, he was told to wait as because investigations were continuing. “The Police said a post mortem will be conducted to determine the cause of death and then they will contact me to take the body,” Mr Singh said.

“We were not told about the body condition of my mother, but we are hopeful to see her for the last time to bid farewell.”

His 76-year-old mother died along with three other elderly women in a house fire at around 1am.

With tears in his eyes, Mr Singh said that being the eldest of four siblings, he had been the one taking care of his mother.

She was originally from Daku and had 10 grandchildren.

“On Wednesday afternoon, she had prepared everything for me and informed me that she was going to her friend’s house, Nagama living close by for a sleepover,” he recalled.

“My mother had no sickness and she liked to walk around a lot.

“She was a Christian and went to Open Heaven Christian Fellowship Church in Tuatua, Labasa.

“The pastor of the church, Harold Hari Nandan, is our brother-in-law as he married our youngest sister.”

Pastor Nandan said they are waiting for the Police to update them so that they can prepare for the funeral to be held at Benau.