The man who lost his wife, daughter and three grandchildren in Australia’s worst house fire has returned to the scene for the first time.
Eleven people were lost in the blaze, with just three managing to escape.
Tau Taufa jumped from the window so that he could catch his children as they leapt to safety. They never came.
Today, no journalist was allowed inside the cordon but Campbell Live’s Mihingarangi Forbes was invited in by family. The reason for that is a very strong New Zealand connection.
The man that has lost so very much, was a New Zealander.
Watch the video for Mihingarangi Forbes’ report
Police recover more bodies
Police recovered more remains of the victims today which were away in a hearse this afternoon, as the community stood together – staying strong with prayers and song.
But the tragedy has taken its toll on the surviving family members; Sam Taufa – who lost his sister, aunty, nieces and nephews – collapsed at the scene and needed medical assistance.
He was overcome just moments after telling a crowd at the scene of the fire that he had lost 11 family members.
He was given oxygen by ambulance crews who also applied a heart monitor and was later taken away in an ambulance.
Before he left, Mr Taufa addressed the mourners.
“I lost 11 family members, but I’ve gained hundreds of brothers and sisters,” he says.
Mr Taufa spoke of visiting his father in hospital, who was injured in the blaze.
“As my father said, when I spoke to him last night and told him of the tragedy, he put a smile on his face and said, ‘It’s not fair that mum’s gone on holiday and left me here’.”
The two families were believed to have been sleeping in two rooms of the now gutted house. For police, recovering the remaining bodies is paramount.
Throughout the day friends, family and community members paid their respects – often overcome by grief as they mourned the loss of the loved ones who perished.
Fa’alafi Iremia Lale – also known as Jeremiah Lale – lost his wife and five children in the fire. Today he stood vigil at the house and says he won’t leave until everyone has been found.
Police won’t confirm the number of bodies they have recovered. They say they can see others, but need to sure up the house before they can safely get to them.
3 News