Six caskets, one funeral for fire victims

Relatives visited Guides Funeral Home, Couva yesterday to make final arrangements for the funeral service in Chaguanas. There will only be one funeral service Newsday was told.

Sophia Dixon, sister of Darren Dixon, the lone survivor of the tragedy, said the remains of her sister-in-law Vanessa Chinapoo, 33, who was eight months pregnant, and her three children Moses, eight, Chiam, nine, Sarah, 12 will be placed in separate caskets for the funeral which will be held at Bethlehem Tabernacle, Bethlehem Drive, Chase Village, Chaguanas. Vanessa went into labour during the fire but her baby also died. Sophia’s sister Chenelle, 22, and her two-year-old nephew Elijah Narine who also died in the fire will also be buried separately.

She said: “There will be six boxes and six holes on the day. That’s the chilling truth. They are all loving individuals and would each be paid their individual respects at the funeral.” The funeral will begin at 1 pm

She said her brother Darren was doing well “given the circumstances. He has the support of family members.”

The family will be buried at the Mc Bean Public Cemetery, Southern Main Road, Couva.

On Saturday morning, fire broke out in the top floor of the family’s home at light pole 608 Southern Main Road, Mc Bean, Couva. The six occupants were unable to get out in time as the roof collapsed, trapping them inside.

Investigations continue into the cause of the fire.