POLICE say a 32 year old man has died during a house fire incident at Folaha yesterday morning.
The deceased is Samiuela Fakahau.
The Minister of Police, Hon. Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa told Parliament this morning the Police Fire Department got a call about the reported incident around 2am Sunday morning.
He said the firemen were promptly deployed to the area and firefighters managed to put the blaze out. Unfortunately, they found the occupant of the house dead.
Information from Lofia Heimuli of the Fire Service Department say a 7 by 5.3 metre wooden houses was engulfed by the blaze.
Police is yet to determine the actual cause of the fire
“The house was completely destroyed. However, it is believed the occupant was intoxicated and blacked out when the incident happened. Information from the deceased drinking companion say he left the house about midnight.
A candle was used as a light while the pair were drinking alcohol. The actual cause of the fire is yet known, but a candle is believed to have caused the fire,” explained Heimuli.
According to Hon. Tu’i’onetoa the house belongs to Kalo Kaumatule who is currently residing in New Zealand. The occupant of the house is her grandson.
This is the second victim to die from house fire in 2015.
According to Heimuli, no casualty was reported during the same period last year.
Police investigation continues.