Pensioner dies in fire

A SAN JUAN pensioner, described by police and neighbours as a former outpatient of the St Ann’s Hospital, died in a fire which destroyed his small concrete home yesterday morning.

Police and fire officers on the scene narrowly escaped serious injury or possible death when as they moved away from the ruins a strong wind sent a wall crashing to the ground. Investigators were up to last night trying to locate relatives of Melville Welch, who police believe was in his mid to late seventies and who lived alone.

According to reports, at around 10.30 am Susan Charles spotted smoke billowing from Welch’s home which is perched on a hill off Pleasant Ville Terrace, Febeau Village, Laventille Road, San Juan. She telephoned the fire and police departments. However, although San Juan firemen under Sub FFSO Marcelle arrived promptly, they could do nothing to save the house since strong winds caused the blaze to sweep through the small concrete and wood structure, reducing it to smouldering rubble. When the firemen searched the ruins, they discovered Welch’s body in the ashes near the frame of a door at the front of the house.