Police investigate Taveuni fire

Police investigators have been directed to find out why a woman left her two children alone at home and went to another house last night as they investigate the Taveuni fire.

A five year old girl and her two year old brother died in the fire at Tavuki village.

The incident occurred between 8 to 10pm, when a wooden house belonging to a Police officer who was on duty at the Taveuni Police Station caught fire.

It is alleged that the two children and their mother had dinner after which the girl and her brother went to bed.

Police say it is believed the cause of the fire was a lit candle which was placed in the bedroom while the mother had gone to a relative's house to get some food.

When the mother returned she saw their house in flames.

The two children could not be saved and they perished in the fire.

The National Fire Authority is now trying to determine the cause of the fire.

Chief Executive Officer, John O'Connor highlights the need for parents and guardians to ensure that they do not leave their children unsupervised at home.

Story by: Vijay Narayan