24 homeless, over $2M in losses

SIX fires which occurred over the weekend in various parts of the country have left 24 persons, including children, homeless and a total of $2,040,000 in losses. Arson has been suspected in at least three of the fires.

The first blaze occurred on Friday night and left the Rousillac Hindu School almost completely destroyed. The last major fire reported was yesterday when a Malick house went up in flames.

The following is a run-down of the weekend fires:
FRIDAY
Fire at the Rousillac Hindu School leaves behind $900,000 in damage. The blaze was first noticed around 8.50 pm by security guards on duty. Recently, the school gained national prominence after persons threatened to physically harm students and teachers of the school, prompting the posting of armed guards. The Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha manages the school.

SATURDAY
Two houses, standing side by side, and occupied by 13 persons who are all related, were destroyed by fire in which arson is suspected. Fire in one building quickly spread to the other. The blaze occurred moments after one of the female occupants had an argument with a male companion, who was later seen tossing a lit match into the house and running. Losses by the fire have been placed at $75,000. A family of eight including four children, were left homeless when a house in Union Road, Marabella was gutted by a fire, the origin of which is yet to be ascertained. The fire started at 10 am. Matriarch of the home, Ena Edwin, 64, suffered a heart attack less than 24 hours after the blaze destroyed her home. Losses caused by the fire have been put at $150,000.

SUNDAY
The St Augustine apartment home of a police Constable attached to the Homicide Bureau was gutted by fire which police have already established as being maliciously set. The officer secured his home around 5 am and left. Two hours later he received a telephone call and was told that his home was on fire. Losses have been estimated at $650,000. Carlton Arindell, 80, a pensioner of Laventille was left homeless after fire gutted his house with losses amounting to $15,000.

MONDAY
Kenley Clifford, 53, an employee of the Works and Transport Ministry was left homeless after his Upper Seventh Avenue, Malick home was destroyed by fire which police suspect was maliciously set. The house and its content were worth $250,000.