Million dollar house gutted by fire

A house at Trinidad Crescent, Federation Park, belonging to retired businessman John Nahous was completely gutted by fire yesterday. The house which is insured by Lloyds of London is valued at $1.5 million. Reports revealed that around 3.15 pm, Kerol Horsford, 23, of Wharf Trace, Maracas, was carrying out repairs to the roof of the house when he observed smoke coming from the roof. He raised an alarm and officers of the Wrightson Road Fire Department were alerted. Nahous, 80, and Horsford made an attempt to extinguish the fire using water hoses but the fire spread rapidly to the house. By the time fire officers arrived on the scene, the house was already engulfed in flames.

A depressed Nahous emerged from the burning house and looked on at the activities. Neighbours of Nahous gathered to lend support. Fire officers confirmed that the fire started on the roof and a blow gas torch which was used in the repair of the roof may have started the fire. Officers of the St Clair Police Station led by acting Sgt Ajith Persad and including Cpl Joseph and PC Steel also went to the scene and interviewed Nahous. Horsford, who was carrying out repairs to the roof, is expected to give a statement to the police today. Investigations are continuing.