At
least three companies have been wrecked by the blaze:
Muneshwer’s, which has occupied the former Sanbach Parker
building since 1991; a Subway franchise outlet started by
Brian Yong and sister, Abigaile Yong four years ago; and
Broadband Inc., a wireless Internet Service Provider, started
by Brian Wong and business partner, Navin Narine two years
ago.
The
fire started at around 16:40 hrs Friday and spread quickly
from its origin in the eastern part of Muneshwer’s to other
parts of the structure. While firemen arrived fairly early on
the scene, a variety of factors weighed against them being
able to contain the blaze.
While
on the scene, the Sunday Chronicle observed that some of the
fire hoses were leaking at different points along their
length, the holes ineffectually being plastered with what
appeared to be masking tape. Hundreds of people had gathered
as word of the fire spread through the city.
Owner
of Muneshwer’s, Mr. Armanath Muneshwer commented that though
the firemen present obviously tried their best under the
circumstances, he was very disappointed with the fact that
only two fire tenders were there to combat the flames.
Mr.
Muneshwer told the Sunday Chronicle that the extent of the
damage could not yet be established and that the company was
awaiting the results of investigations by claim adjusters from
their insurance company, Guyana and Trinidad Mutual (GTM).
The
cause of the fire is yet to be determined. Up to yesterday
afternoon, the fire was mostly put out though firemen had
concentrated hoses at different parts of the burnt out
structure to prevent still smoldering areas from flaring up
again.
About
one month ago, the Lombard Street building that housed the
Royal Castle fast-food outlet, Mohammed’s Jewellery
and Auto Supplies Company (ASCO) was razed when the driver of
a container truck lost control and crashed into a nearby
utility pole.
Meanwhile,
another fire broke out in the kitchen of the restaurant at
Kwality Supercentre, Regent and Camp Streets, early yesterday
morning. The fire was quickly put under control by staff at
the restaurant. Most of the employees of other businesses in
the building were unaware that there was a fire.
Sunday
December 21, 2003