$15M in losses, 24 unemployed

AN EARLY morning fire of unknown origin, completely destroyed the Vicmol Foam Factory at Bolai Trace in Chase Village, Chaguanas yesterday.

The fire left 24 persons unemployed as well as an estimated $15 million in losses. The factory was owned by Pradeep and Harrynarine Rambaran of La Romaine.

Pradeep said two buildings were destroyed as well as stocks, machinery and office equipment.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer Carl Scipio said the Chaguanas Fire Station received a telephone call from the factory’s security officer Hardeo Rampersad, at about 1.30 am yesterday after Rampersad saw smoke coming from the warehouse.

Fire tenders quickly responded to the blaze but as they were nearing the fire scene they heard a loud explosion coming from the warehouse which at this time was already engulfed in flames.

By the time they arrived on the scene, the two Fire officials said a strong wind had aided the fire’s spread. Fire tenders from San Fernando, Couva, Tunapuna and Piarco as well as water trucks from WASA responded.

Scipio said he was thankful there were no water problems, which enabled them to save several nearby businesses.

Central Divisional Police are continuing investigations. TTEC officials and police officers are expected to return to the scene today to continue their investigations.