New Zealand couple whose triplets died in Qatar mall fire celebrate birth of twins

WELLINGTON, New Zealand – A New Zealand couple whose 2-year-old triplets were killed last year in a mall fire in Qatar's capital are celebrating the birth of twins.

Martin Weekes says Poppy and Parker were born Wednesday by cesarean section at 36 weeks. He says his wife, Jane, and the twins are healthy and recovering well, and they all hope to return home from Auckland's North Shore Hospital by next week.

He says he and Jane had mixed emotions about having more children after the deaths of Lillie, Jackson and Willsher.

Nineteen people died in the Doha blaze. Thirteen of the victims — including the triplets — were children at a daycare center.

Qatar in June convicted five people over the fire, which was blamed on faulty wiring. All are now free on appeal.