Man, daughter hurt in blaze

Up to last evening, both remain warded at the San Fernando General Hospital in stable conditions.

Fire broke out at about 3 pm on Monday at a two-storey building which formerly housed the popular Golden Terrace Chinese Restaurant at Cipero Street, San Fernando. At the time, both father and daughter were inside and eyewitnesses saw running out of the burning building. The fire quickly spread to two neighbouring buildings- one was Mega Traders Limited and the other a two storey house which houses two small businesses (a beauty salon and a pastry store) on the bottom floor.

Newsday learnt that at least 28 people are left without jobs from the businesses. Additionally, two vehicles which were parked in front of the restaurant were damaged as a result of the fire.

Though the cost of the damage is yet to be determined, fire officials gave an estimate of “millions of dollars”. For about two consecutive hours a party of fire officers of Mon Repos Fire Station among them Assistant Chief Fire Officer (South ) Cecil Davis, Divisional Fire Office John, Fire Substation Officer Defrance and ADFO Arjoon of Fire Prevention Unit (South), battled the raging flames.

Officers of the Princes Town Fire Station also assisted to contain flames. San Fernando Mayor Kazim Hosein and San Fernando East MP Randall Mitchell visited the scene. The mayor showered praises on the fire officers for their prompt response to the fire.

In a media release from the office of the Mayor yesterday, it stated that the southern city experienced a great loss and noted that Golden Terrace Chinese Restaurant was “one of the oldest fixtures of the city”.

“This is a horrific accident for our city, but I must remark on the cooperation and effectiveness of all those bodies who came out to help. The quick response of the protective services saved the lives of at least two persons, and I am very thankful that the young children in the restaurant were saved,” Mayor Hosein stated in the release. Investigations are continuing.