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Seven homeless after mid-morning fire

Seven persons will have to find alternative place to rest their heads following a shocking mid-morning fire which completely gutted the house in Sea Cows’ Bay on the main island of Tortola today September 9, 2014. Photo: Team of Reporters
Some of the victims of the fire. Photo: Team of Reporters
Some of the victims of the fire. Photo: Team of Reporters
Based on the information gathered by this news site from other sources it was alleged that the fire may have been started electrically when a truck became entangled with an overhead electrical cable which may have struck the house and sparked a surge. Photo: Team of Reporters
Based on the information gathered by this news site from other sources it was alleged that the fire may have been started electrically when a truck became entangled with an overhead electrical cable which may have struck the house and sparked a surge. Photo: Team of Reporters
SEA COWS’ BAY, Tortola, VI – Seven persons will have to find alternative lodging following a shocking mid-morning fire which completely gutted a house in Sea Cows’ Bay on the main island of Tortola today September 9, 2014.

The house is located along the stretch of road leading to Ellis Thomas Downs. According to informed sources the fire started sometime between 11:00 am and 12:00 pm today.

Acting Chief Fire Officer Mr William W. Penn confirmed the incident and said he was very pleased with the prompt actions of his officers that resulted in them saving some sections of the wooden house. 

According to Mr. Penn some items were salvaged. He said that the areas damaged to a greater extent included two bedrooms, living room area and a kitchen. "Other areas were affected by smoke and heat,” he explained.

He said that officers are currently on the scene conducting investigations as to the probable cause as there were reports of an accident that may have been a contributing factor.

Based on the information gathered by this news site from other sources it was alleged that the fire may have been started electrically when a truck became entangled with an overhead electrical cable which may have struck the house and sparked a surge.

Speaking to this news site, victim of the fire security worker Danny Pemberton said that he was able to save nothing and was contemplating his next move. Pemberton resided in the rented house with his girlfriend and two sons.

“Everything got burned,” he told this news site. While he said that certain things could be replaced, others have sentimental value that cannot be quantified in monetary terms. He said that even cash got burned up on the house.

He and his family who have been living in the House for about ten years have also lost textbooks recently purchased for the new school year and school uniforms acquired at significant cost. He said that his mother and other relatives lived in an adjourning apartment in the same building. “My mother had valuables in there and she lost them. She also lost money in the fire,” said Pemberton.

The man said he was not sure where he and his family will sleep for the night.

He said that up to the point of speaking to this news site at 3:45 pm today the Police had not yet turned up.

13 Responses to “Seven homeless after mid-morning fire”

  • how can i help (09/09/2014, 16:19) Like (19) Dislike (0) Reply
    Not cool. Happy everyone is good is OK.
    How can we help?

    • Help (10/09/2014, 13:11) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
      Thank you for asking. Her number is 547-2780. Please give her a call.
  • bay yute (09/09/2014, 16:44) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    So sad
  • Concerned (09/09/2014, 17:03) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    How old are the kids and how can we donate items to them please?
    • @ concerned (10/09/2014, 12:44) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
      you can make cheque payable to Shaniqua Evelyn or call 342-0745 for any donations. Items can be dropped off at Little Litehous Child Development Center in Sea Cows Bay where she works.
  • Police? (09/09/2014, 19:27) Like (0) Dislike (5) Reply
    Fire Department showed up. There was no crime committed why are you looking for the Police?
  • doc (09/09/2014, 20:55) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    It's sad, sad, sad. The Lord giveth, The Lord taketh be thankful that no life lost only material things gone. Everything happen for a reason so rest assure that better is yet to come. Just be patient
  • have no fear (09/09/2014, 23:34) Like (8) Dislike (3) Reply
    Hon Fraser will be to their rescue.
  • ?? (09/09/2014, 23:35) Like (1) Dislike (3) Reply
    I haven't heard a siren.
  • v.i.p (10/09/2014, 04:29) Like (4) Dislike (4) Reply
    Thanks to frazer for stepping in and assisting the family
    • How (10/09/2014, 13:13) Like (1) Dislike (3) Reply
      How do you know Fraser help her? Does he have to talk about everything he does. He better don't be bragging like that was not is responsibility. He always acting like he doing people a favor. It is his responsibility!!!!
  • zoe (10/09/2014, 06:25) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    My prayers are with the family this is not a nice sistuation


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