It was one year ago, on February 19, 2019, that an overnight fire began in a home in the Halifax community of Spryfield, N.S.
Ebraheim and Kawthar Barho managed to escape, but the flames moved so quickly that none of their seven children could be saved. A family of nine was reduced to two.
Neighbours who witnessed the devastating fire say it’s something they will never forget. Many have received counselling, with some requiring ongoing therapy to this day.
On the eve of the tragedy’s one year anniversary many of those neighbours gathered where the home once stood.
They laid down flowers and placed a stuffed toy for each of the seven children who lost their lives that night; Ahmad, 14; Rola, 12; Mohamad, 9; Ola, 8; Hala, 3; Rana, 2, and four-month-old Abdullah.
But the impact of the tragedy was felt far beyond the neighbourhood where the family lived with thousands attending the Islamic funeral service for the seven children.
Although their children have been laid to rest, the parent’s recovery remains an ongoing effort.
In an effort to save his children that night Ebraheim suffered severe burns to 80 per cent of his body. He remains in hospital to this day.
The director of Halifax Infirmary’s burn unit and lead doctor for Ebraheim Barho’s care said a burn injury that significant is rare.
“Many of those patients would not survive those injuries,” said Dr. Jack Rasmussen.
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