Smoking ruins keep firemen away

It was reported that the fire started on the upper floor of the foam factory at about 1.30 am. Owner Pradeep Rambaran estimated the losses to be $15 million.

An official of the Chaguanas Fire Station said fire prevention officers returned to the scene of the blaze yesterday morning but were unable to carry out thorough investigations be-cause the ruins were still smouldering.

He added the officers were due to return today. The officer confirmed that arson was not yet ruled out in the blaze, which left some 24 people jobless.

Investigations are continuing.