$57 million ‘Mode Alive’ goes up in flames

The building is valued at $17 million. The store is owned by businessman Gary Aboud.

Eyewitnesses claimed that the fire started in the middle of the warehouse under some steps at about 2 pm and 12 fire extinguishers were used by employees to prevent the fire from spreading, but the attempt was fruitless and a decision was taken to evacuate the burning store. Employees looked on in horror as the flames enveloped the building.

By the time fire fighters from the Tunapuna Fire Station arrived on the scene the store was already well ablaze.

Firemen used water from a hydrant located on the compound where the fire broke out but the raging fire continued.

Fire tenders from the San Juan, Arima, and Wrightson Road stations were called out for assistance.

Aboud believes that the lack of water to extinguish the fire, coupled with faulty hoses and equipment being used by the fire fighters contributed to his store being completely gutted.

He said that while he is saddened over the loss of his businessplace, he is happy that none of his employees suffered any physical injuries when the fire broke out.

He dispelled rumours that three employees were unaccounted for.

According to Aboud, he recently purchased large quantities of stock in time for the busy Christ-mas season, and now everything is gone.

Up to late yesterday, the fire at the gutted store raged and fire officers used foam to contain the blaze.

Officers remained at the site to prevent the flames from spreading to the nearby Kay Donna Drive In cinema.

Yesterday, Ian Green Public Relations Officer of the Fire Services who was present at the scene of the fire said that when he interviewed employees of the burnt out store they said that the fire started at about 2 pm under some steps where furniture was located.

He added that if the fire services were alerted then, the blaze may well have been contained.

He said that the fire fighters had ample water but they were unable to save the building because the store was already enveloped in flames.

The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained.