School community mourns girl who could light up a room with her smile

MIATA Kollie, who was severely burnt during a fire which destroyed her family’s house last month, has died of her injuries at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead.

Miata Kbaba, the young girl who was fatally injured in a Doonside house fire.

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MIATA Kollie, who was severely burnt during a fire which destroyed her family’s house last month, has died of her injuries at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead.

The nine-year-old autistic child, who could light up a room with her smile, has been battling for her life since the fire ripped through her Doonside home, with 90 per cent of burns on her little body.

While Miata was in hospital, The Ponds School which she attended, began a fundraising campaign to provide immediate help for the family.

Miata Kollie succumbed to the injuries suffered when her family home burnt down.

Todate the fundraising campaign has raised more than $4,000 towards the target of $10,000.

Principal of The Ponds School Leonie Donaldson said they will miss the artistically-talented and cheerful Miata.

“Miata loved coming to school and her mother used to say that she was always ready and waiting by the door to leave for school,” Ms Donaldson said.

“Miata fought hard at school with her determination and was very enthusiastic and a willing learner.

“She was very creative and love to paint and draw things.”

Section of the house which was destroyed by the fire.

Ms Donaldson said the school community has responded magnificently to the campaign, donating dozens of household items including furniture.

“We have collected more than $4,000 and people can still contribute on the Go Fund Me page,” Ms Donaldson said.

“People have donating a lot of household stuff and we have already sent over van full of items for them.”

Miata’s teacher Clay Starr said: “Miata is a gorgeous child who made friends easily and could light up a room with her smile.

“I was lucky enough to teach Miata throughout 2014 and 2015, so I have a great understanding of what a special young lady she is.”

The family had lost almost all their possessions when the fire destroyed their home on August 6 and were forced to move to Blackett.

Miata Kollie suffered more than 90 per cent burns to her body during the fire which destroyed her home.

Mr Kollie said he had to stop working to look after his four other children and make twice daily visits to the hospital.

Liberian-born Mr Kollie said he used all his strength to get Miata to the front window of the house on Hill End Rd, Doonside.

He said he was on his last breath and rolled out of the window. He said his wife then bravely jumped in and pulled their daughter out after him.

His wife Mary Kbaba managed to get four of their daughters out while he went to search for Miata.

“I woke up and there’s fire everywhere and we can’t get out, there’s no way for us get out of the house, we just have to get to the window,” Mr Kollie said.

He described his desperation as smoke quickly filled his home as the heat and the roar of the flames intensified.

“We couldn’t see anyone, you couldn’t hear anything (else),” he said. “I could hear her screaming. I didn’t think I would live that long.”

There is some confusion as to who actually rescued the girl from the burning house, with neighbour Vai Ngaro being credited with dragging Miata to safety.

“Any donation no matter how small will be appreciated and of much benefit to the family,” Mr Clay said.

“I ask you all to please spare what you can.”

■ To help: Visit: gofundme.com/2k6xjbg