(Trinidad Guardian) Some 200 workers were left on the breadline yesterday after a fire destroyed the popular Hearty Foods Supermarket at the corner of Sorzano and Pro Queen Streets, Arima.
Ashley’s Bed, Bath and Beyond, which was on one of the upper floors of the property, was also destroyed by the blaze.
According to police reports, passers-by noticed the building was on fire around 4 am and immediately notified the police and Fire Services.
ACFO Joseph, ASPs Worrell and Dominique, acting Sgt Ghan, Fire Prevention Officer Armstrong and other officers visited the scene and fought for several hours to bring the blaze under control. They could not save the businesses in the main building but managed to save other nearby buildings.
In a telephone interview on Tuesday, owner of Hearty Foods Ishwar Maharaj said he would be seeking alternative employment for his workers until he was able to reestablish his business.
“It’s about 200 workers and we will be looking for some places for them. We will rebuild bigger and better,” he said. Maharaj said he did not how much losses he had suffered but police said the building alone was insured for some $100 million.
Up to late yesterday, members of the Fire Prevention Unit were attempting to determine the source of the blaze.
Investigations are continuing.
