Cassim was not happy that the Fire Service went first to the auto
supply shop instead of coming straight to his adjoining business
and home.
“It took them at least 45 minutes after the fire started to
get here.
“All my things could have been saved, you know, if they had
came here first and wet my place. But when they did decide to come
here it took them at least 25 minutes to turn their fire trucks
into the streets.”
Other residents, however, expressed pleasure at the promptness of
the Fire Service.
Acting Deputy Chief Fire Officer Carl Scipio who was on scene said
firemen from Morvant, Woodbrook and Chaguanas responded.
“There is still a fire at the back of the building because
containers of chemicals are alight,” he said. “We are
using foam to contain it. Foam prevents air from getting into the
fire.
“There is no water problem. We came with water and we managed
with it. There are absolutely no problems with the water supply.”
Other neighbours expressed concerns because the fire hydrant on
El Socorro Road had no water and a Water and Sewerage Authority
(WASA) pump at the back of the burning structure could not be turned
on until WASA employees arrived.
Cassim’s relative Kha-yam Panchoo said: “The house has
been saved. I think the firemen did a pretty good job. The only
thing that prevented them was the road because it is narrow.
“The family is still in shock and I thank the Almighty that
no one was hurt.”
Firemen and police officers kept the crowd at bay but had little
control over two arguments that erupted. The first was between President
of the Pre-Owned Automobile Dealers Association and talk show host
at Islamic Broadcasting Network (IBN) Channel 8, Inshan Ishmael
and a police officer.
The officer ordered alarmed neighbours and residents inside a compound
while swinging his baton menacingly.
The other was a confrontation between a relative of Cassim and the
owner of the car parts dealership. Reports are that the owner of
the dealership accused Cassim’s son of playing with fire.
It caused an intense argument, which caused Acting Inspector Melville
Ashby of the Santa Cruz Police Station to read the riot act.
“Disperse or go home!” he ordered.
Speaking with reporters after the incident he said, “The cause
of the fire is yet to be determined. We have to get a report from
Forensics and I have no idea where the chemicals came from.”
Relatives screamed at the owner of the car parts dealership who
had turned up at the scene to offer his support to Cassim.
“Once you have chemicals in storage you are supposed to get
a license or a permit.
“You must have flammable stickers all around the building
and it must be kept at a certain perimeter from a residential area.”
The owner of SJ Auto Parts, Baldeo Bobby Jamuna, estimated his losses
at $3 million. His business was also not insured. |
