WORKS MANAGER ESCAPES FIRE TRAGEDY IN MILNE BAY

BY LETHISA KOLOKOL

THE Milne Bay Provincial Works Manager, Paul Waine, and his family narrowly escaped tragedy late Saturday evening after a severe fire completely destroyed their official residence in Top Town, Alotau.

The incident occurred at approximately 11:00 PM while the family was asleep.

According to the written statement of a witness, Waine was awakened by heavy smoke inhalation and discovered the property was already heavily engulfed by flames.

Neighboring residents quickly mobilized to assist the family and contain the blaze.

Primary eyewitness and rescuer, Goli Kaki, who resides next door says the family managed to evacuate the burning structure immediately before it was reduced to ashes.

Kaki said went straight to the house and managed to notify and rescue the family members to help them escape from the burning building.

He adds that it was a frightening situation for everyone in the area and thanked God that the occupants managed to escape safely.

While substantial property damage has been reported, authorities have confirmed there were no casualties or fatalities.

Local police and relevant fire authorities have commenced an official investigation into the incident.

Investigators are currently securing witness statements and assessing the scene to determine the exact cause of the blaze, looking into potential electrical faults, negligence, or other external factors.