Flames engulfed a family home in Coleyville, Manchester recently, leaving 18 people homeless. One person sustained injury in the destructive blaze, which has left the hapless family, seeking a new place to call home. They have been forced to seek refuge at church, due to the kind assistance of members of the community.

One of the 18 victims of the fire, Cherry Ann Robinson, says she was inside her home with her sister, while her mom was on the outside when they were alerted about the fire. She notes that they are still not aware of how the fire started.

Neighbors tried to control the blaze but it was the arrival of firefighters at the scene that finally saw it extinguished. The cause of the fire remains unknown. Though no lives were lost, the family matriarch sustained burns to her face, while saving her bedridden cousin.

The family is now living temporarily at the Coleyville Seventh Day Adventist Church. They are also assisted by fellow community members. With school now back in session, the children have no way to access lessons as their devices perished in the fire. In the meantime, one Coleyville, Manchester infant school teacher provides some schooling.

More in this CVM Live story from Jhanielle Powell: