TRIBUTES have poured in for a dad who died days after a house fire that also killed his young son.
Naemat Lawa Esmael, 51, was rescued from the blaze in the Gonhill area of West Cross, Swansea, at around 1.20pm on Saturday.
He was rushed to hospital following the horror but tragically died on Monday, police said.
His son Muhammed Esmael, three, who had just started primary school, was killed in the fire.
Muhammed's mum, 39, and sister, 13, are in hospital being treated for smoke inhalation.
Neighbour Siany Martin described the Esmaels as a "beautiful family" who are "loved by everyone".
She told the BBC: "All of us, the community, we're just praying for them, we just want them to know that we're here."
In a tribute, Whitestone Primary School described Muhammad Esmael as a "popular, well-loved little boy who was settling in well to school life and making many friends".
"Our thoughts are with their family and friends and we offer our sincere and deepest condolences," it said.
A hero neighbour, who asked not to be named, says he fought in vain to help Naemat save his son but the flames were so fierce they were unable to reach the boy.
He said he had been in his back garden at 1pm on Saturday when he heard a woman’s screams from an upstairs window.
He added: “I looked up and saw smoke billowing out of all the windows upstairs.
“Next thing, the mother was at the back door, screaming for help. She was absolutely hysterical. So I ran round and we tried to get upstairs to rescue the children.
“The dad was already up there but he was overcome by the smoke and flames.
“Me and the mother were frantically trying to get to Mohemmed’s bedroom, but it was just impossible.
“By now the fire was so intense and the heat of the flames so fierce that it was impossible for us to get to him.
“I wish with everything I have that we could’ve got to him, but there was no way through and sadly he perished in the fire.”
The cause of the fire is unknown at this stage and a joint investigation is being carried out by police and the fire service.
Family friend Claire Mitchell has set up a fund and confirmed the father died in hospital.
She told the fund-raising site: "I have been asked by the family to let you know and ask you to pray for him."
Their appeal read: "They lost everything they held dear when the devastating fire engulfed their home.
"The flames claimed not only their possessions but also tragically took the life of their beloved little boy."
Detective Inspector Carl Price said: “Our thoughts remain with the family, friends and the local community following this tragic incident. We are working alongside the fire service to establish the cause of the fire.”
A report will be compiled for the coroner and specialist fire investigators are due at the terraced property.
