A deadly house fire in Texas yesterday morning has been identified as a tragedy involving a prominent Tongan family, with victims confirmed as Tongan pastor Dr Salesi Havea and his wife, Sela.
Firefighters were called to the blaze at around 10am on Saturday (U.S. time) at a home in the 3600 block of Sweetbriar Lane.
When they arrived, they found the property engulfed in heavy flames.
Crews were informed that two occupants had already escaped the home, while two others remained trapped inside.
Authorities said the survivors suffered minor injuries, and one was transported to hospital for further treatment.
Firefighters made repeated attempts to enter the burning residence as they worked to bring the two-alarm fire under control. Once the blaze was extinguished, the couple were found dead inside the home.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
No firefighters were injured during the incident.
Kaniva News understands the couple were the brother and sister-in-law of Reverend Dr Tevita Havea, President of the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga, the Kingdom’s largest Christian denomination.
The identities of the two others who suffered minor injuries in the house fire remain unknown.
Worldwide Tongan communities unite in grief
News of the tragedy has sent shockwaves through Tongan communities in the United States, Tonga, New Zealand, Australia and abroad. Many took to social media to share condolences and offer prayers for the Havea family as they await further official updates.
“Dr Salesi and Sela were pillars of strength in our Tongan community. Their warmth, generosity and commitment to service touched everyone who knew them. Our deepest condolences go to their surviving family,” a commenter wrote in Tongan.
“The Haveas lived a life of faith and service. Their loss is deeply felt across our congregations. We honour their legacy and pray for comfort for the Havea family during this heartbreaking time.”
Messages of condolence were sent to the Havea family, who are widely known for their significant role in the Free Wesleyan Church and their longstanding commitment to education.
“They were the heart of our family. Their love, humility and guidance shaped who we are. Words cannot describe our grief, but we take comfort in knowing they lived lives of purpose and faith,” another wrote.
“Dr Salesi and Sela embodied the values of ‘ofa, fakaʻapaʻapa and fevahevaheʻaki. Their leadership and compassion strengthened our people abroad. Their memory will remain a blessing to the Tongan community.”
