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Luani family loses homes and car to fire

A look at the Luani Family car that was destroyed by a fire last week.[Courtesy Photo: Luani Family]
Opens gofundme page to seek assistance from the public
joyetter@samoanews.com

The Luani family whose two homes and vehicle were completely destroyed by a fire last week is seeking assistance from members of the public.

Police Commissioner, Save Liuato Tuitele told Samoa News last week that the investigation is underway by the Fire Department, with the Criminal Investigation Division taking over the investigation only if wrongdoing is found. Save was thankful that no one was hurt from the fire.

According to a family member, the fire started from their old house in the back that they were trying to tear down. The family member said they were using their newly built house which had two bedrooms and a total of eight people resided in that house. The family member further said the fire also burned their vehicle; and, he doesn’t know what caused the fire, but he suspects it’s from a faulty electrical wire.

According to the gofundme page, which was created by Ave Luani, on November 6, 2016 on a Sunday afternoon, their family home burned down in Tafuna due to unforeseen circumstances. Ave said a total of nine children were being raised by their parents Kasiano and Telesia Luani. “The house my parents built for their children and grandchildren. The house that was filled with so many great memories, good and bad. It was filled with laughter, sadness, tears, and most of all, memories of our humble beginnings.” Ave said how they’re fortunate that no one in her family was hurt.

“However, we have lost everything! All our clothes, important documents, household goods, and materialistic belongings are gone. Also, our only vehicle was burnt to crisp and is a total loss at this point. While there is great relief that everyone is safe and the understanding that possessions are replaceable, this has put my family in a difficult financial position. Especially with the holidays around the corner and times when everyone should have a home to gather and spend time together.”

Ave is seeking assistance as “we want to do as much as possible to help out my parents. We know that any financial assistance at this point is greatly appreciated and will help my family get a fresh start. Any kind of donation is extremely helpful, whether it be finance or simply sharing the link with your friends and family on social media.”

In the meantime, as of yesterday morning a total of $2,710 had been raised. As reported earlier, since the fire, their family has received support and assistance from Red Cross, Tualauta Representatives Vui Florence Vaili Saulo, Samuel Meleisea and the Lam Yuen Family.