Makoi Fire Leaves Man, Children Homeless
Fire fighters tried hard, but could not contain the fire.
Lemeki Matabogi, 50, could only stand and cry as he helplessly watched his home for more than 30 years completely burn down yesterday.
Mr Matabogi who is suffering from mild stroke was alone in his two-bedroom wooden home in Kalokalo Crescent, Makoi when the fire started from one of the bedrooms.
He said the fire began around 2pm after he heard an explosion which appeared to originate from an electrical powerpoint in the bedroom.
“I smell the fire and I quickly stood and tried so hard to find my closest exit,” he said.
“I thought of running back into the house to save my son’s school books and uniform but I was too weak, I knew if I get back inside I would be trapped and I would die in the fire,” an emotional Mr Matabogi said.
Fire fighters tried hard, but could not contain the fire.
“I have difficulty walking and speaking, but I am grateful to be alive even though I have lost everything today.
“I could not save anything at all, only the clothes that I am currently wearing.”
Mr Matabogi has been separated from his wife for almost 10 years and lives with his son and daughter in their Makoi home.
“My son is in year 12 in Assemblies of God High School and we have lost majority of his school stuff in the fire.
“Now we have to start again from scratch, I don’t work anymore because I fell sick but we will see what we can do.”
He said he and his two children will now stay with family members in Makoi until they are able to rebuild their home.
“I am pleading with those who are willing to help us rebuild our lives, especially my son who is still in school to assist us as I try to keep him in school till we finish off the academic year.”
Koronivia Fire
Meanwhile, a family of three in Koronivia, Nausori are also without a home after their home was completely destroyed in a fire yesterday.
The fire began around 11am.
The national fire authority is investigating both fire incidents.