Authorities in Tonga investigate shop fire

An investigation is underway into a fire that left one person injured and caused extensive damage to a shop in Kolomotu’a, Nukua’lofa.

The fire emergency services suspect the fire started from the cooking area of the building.

“On Thursday, 18th January 2018 at approximately 0026Hrs Nuku’alofa fire station responded to a call for assistance at Kapetā, Kolomotu’a at a corner of Vaha’akolo road and Matealona road opposite Queen Sālote College,” a Fire service spokesperson told Kaniva News.

“Upon arrival, the fire crew discovered fire from the Chinese Store.”

He said about 70 percent of the store including merchandise goods was affected by the fire.

“Approximately 30 percent of properties were saved including cash amount of TOP$5,558.40.”

“There was huge difficulty in trying to determine the exact cause of fire. It was not able to gain any evidence that would help indicate the heat source. Therefore, the exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined undetermined, as we are still conducting investigations into its exact cause.”

“The estimated loss is valuated to TOP$200,000.00.”

     Source:Kaniva News