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Showing posts with the label Fire

$2 Million Home of Detained Businesswoman Fareeda Balgobin Set Ablaze In Penal — Police Investigating

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UPDATE:   The property is a single-storey residence, consisting of two (2) bedrooms, a kitchen, living area, and garage. Investigators say everything inside, including furniture, appliances, and personal belongings, was lost in the fire. The building itself sustained severe structural damage, with visible cracks along the walls. Extensive burn patterns were also noted along the Southwestern exterior wall. Authorities are also said to be working to determine the status of insurance coverage on the property. EDITOR’S NOTE: The body of this article has been updated with new details.   The home of 38-year-old Fareeda Balgobin was set ablaze in Penal early this morning (Wednesday 15th April, 2026) in a suspected Molotov attack. Balgobin and her teenage son remain in Police custody in connection with the alleged false imprisonment and torture of 42-year-old Sabita Basdeo over a lengthy period, spanning at least seven (7) years.  During that time, Basdeo was unlawfully kept ...

84-Year-Old Woman Perishes In Laventille House Fire — 2 Children Escape Unharmed

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An elderly woman is dead following a fire at her home in Laventille on Thursday night (2nd April, 2026). The deceased has been identified as 84-year-old Elise Morris of Robinson Lane, Success Village, Laventille. According to reports, Morris, who used a wheelchair, was on the upper floor of her two-storey home, when the house caught fire, around 8:26 PM.   Neighbours alerted the Fire Service as two (2) children, aged three (3) and ten (10), managed to safely escape the home. Fire Officers from the Wrightson Road and Morvant Fire Stations responded to the scene, where the house was already engulfed in flames, and subsequently extinguished the blaze. Officers from Headquarters North also assisted. Morris’s body was later found on the ground floor in the South-Western section of the lower storey. Investigators suspect she may have fallen after the floor of the upstairs bedroom collapsed during the fire. The two-storey house, which had four (4) bedrooms, was not supplied with electrici...

Bomb Scare Triggers Lockdown At Mon Repos Fire Station — Suspicious Suitcase Found

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The Trinidad and Tobago Fire Service (TTFS) South Divisional Headquarters in Mon Repos, San Fernando, was placed on lockdown from 3:23 PM to 5:27 PM on Tuesday afternoon (31st March, 2026), after a suspicious suitcase was discovered in the appliance room used by Fire Officers. The item raised concern and triggered an emergency response from the bomb squad, supported by K9 units. According to reports, following a thorough inspection, Officers found the suitcase contained empty rum bottles and posed no threat. The Trinidad and Tobago Fire Service headquarters in Mon Repos, San Fernando, was placed on lockdown from 3:23 p.m. to 5:27 p.m. today after a suspicious suitcase was discovered in the appliance room used by fire officers. The item raised concern and triggered an emergency… pic.twitter.com/qD6JygUrTf — CNC3TV (@CNC3TV) March 31, 2026 Authorities have since given the all-clear, and normal operations at the facility have resumed. Investigations are continuing.  More on this as i...

Update On Fire Incident At Carapichaima West Secondary School

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The Ministry of Education is providing an update regarding a fire incident on Monday afternoon (23rd March, 2026) at Carapichaima West Secondary School. In a Media Release today (Tuesday 24th March, 2026), the Ministry said smoke was detected at approximately 1:50 PM in a room located on the top floor of the Form 5 building block. “The school's emergency response protocols were immediately activated, and by 1:55 PM, all staff and students were safely evacuated to the designated muster point. The Trinidad and Tobago Fire Service (TTFS) was contacted immediately, and responded promptly.” At the time of the incident, forty-two (42) teachers and one hundred and three (103) students were present on the compound. No injuries or casualties were reported, and ambulance services remained on standby throughout the incident. The Ministry is advising that Form 5 students had successfully completed their Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) mock examinations prior to the incident. ...

Flow: Service Interruptions In Central Trinidad Due To Fire Damage To Fibre Cables

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Flow is advising customers across some communities in Central Trinidad, including Cunupia, Las Lomas, Kelly Village, Longdenville and environs, who may be experiencing service interruptions, that this is due to damage to its fibre cables caused by a fire.  In a Notice issued this afternoon (Sunday 22nd March, 2026), Flow said, “Our repair teams are already on-site working to restore your service in the shortest time possible. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your patience and understanding.” More on this as it becomes available.

Range Rover Destroyed In Arson Attack Outside ‘Real Talk’ Office In Chaguanas

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UPDATE: CCTV footage of the incident reveals two (2) men were behind the arson attack. The Range Rover is said to belong to the host of “Real Talk With Saieed Ali.” A Range Rover was destroyed by fire in an arson attack at Real Talk Group of Companies in Chaguanas early this morning (Wednesday 11th March, 2026). According to reports, a black Range Rover (PDG 773) was set ablaze in front the business place, located along Caroni Savannah Road, Chaguanas, around 1:25 AM. Police and Fire Services were alerted. However, the expensive vehicle was destroyed. No further details are available at this time, including the motive behind the attack. Investigations are continuing.  More on this as it becomes available.  [Source: Ian Alleyne ]

74-Year-Old Woman Perishes In Morvant House Fire — Tight Security Measures Prevented Rescue

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An elderly woman is dead following a fire at a two-storey residence in Morvant on Friday morning (6th March, 2026). The deceased has been identified as 74-year-old Marachia “Agnes” Hernandez of LP #26 First Caledonia Road, who lived in a ground-floor apartment of the home. Tight security measures are said to have prevented her rescue. According to reports, screams were heard coming from the ground-floor, around 11:30 AM, which alerted the couple living upstairs, Arlene Richards and Patrick Walsh, as well as neighbours, to the fire in Hernandez's apartment. Richards said the intense smell of smoke had earlier raised her suspicion that a fire had broken out somewhere. “I shout 'fire downstairs!’ The only thing I grabbed was my phone. I started calling the fire brigade,” Richards told reporters outside the now-destroyed property. “Everything gone. Every single living thing gone.” Richards said her husband rushed to rescue the elderly woman, along with neighbours, from the apartmen...

Ministry Advises of Heightened Bushfire Risk During Dry Season; Urges Energy Facilities To Take Precautionary Measures

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The Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government, through its Disaster Management Coordinating Unit (DMCU), is advising the public that Trinidad is currently experiencing the peak of the Dry Season. During this period, there is an increased risk of bushfires across the country. In a Media Release today (Friday 6th March, 2026), the Ministry said, “In light of this elevated risk, all energy facilities operating within the boundaries of the fourteen (14) Municipal Corporations are urged to take immediate and proactive measures to safeguard their infrastructure, personnel, and the surrounding environment from the potential hazards posed by bushfires.” To reduce the risk and enhance preparedness, facilities are encouraged to implement the following precautionary measures: Establish fire trails around facilities to create effective buffer zones. Clear dry vegetation and combustible debris in and around operational areas. Ensure fire suppression systems are fully operational, properly...

60-Year-Old Man Dies In House Fire In Barrackpore

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The burnt remains of a man was found after a fire destroyed his Barrackpore home on Sunday evening (1st March, 2026). The deceased has been identified as 60-year-old Bachan Samlal of Sand Hill Trace, Barrackpore. He was said to have been a stroke patient. According to reports, Samlal became trapped inside the small dwelling when it became engulfed in flames, shortly after 5:00 PM. An alarm was raised by his former common-law wife who lives next door. She told Police she had briefly left her home to pick breadfruit, approximately 200 feet away. Upon returning around 5:20 PM, however, she observed Samlal’s house ablaze and immediately contacted the Barrackpore Police Station. Officers responded and met fire personnel from the Mon Repos Fire Station, who were actively battling the blaze. The structure, described as a small concrete-and-board house measuring approximately ten (10) feet by fourteen (14) feet and valued at an estimated $40,000, was completely destroyed. After the fire was ex...

64-Year-Old Man Dies In Fiery Highway Crash Near Divali Nagar Site; Passenger Injured

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A man is dead and another injured following a fiery road traffic accident along the Uriah Butler Highway in Chaguanas last night (Thursday 26th February, 2026). The deceased has been identified as 64-year-old Bhisham Phillip of Montrose, Chaguanas. According to reports, Phillip was driving a silver Mazda RX-8 (PCZ 7033) with a passenger along the Northbound lane of the Uriah Butler Highway, when he reportedly swerved in an attempt to avoid colliding with another vehicle, shortly after 10:00 PM. In doing so, however, he lost control of the car, which slammed into the metal railing near the pedestrian overpass in the vicinity of the Divali Nagar site in Chaguanas. Phillip was reportedly ejected from the car moments before it became engulfed in flames upon impact. Police, Fire and Emergency Health Services were notified and responded. However, Phillip succumbed to his injuries at the scene. His passenger sustained minor injuries. Investigations are continuing into the circumstances surr...

Massive Fire Guts Anand Low Price Supermarket In Gulf View — Millions In Losses, Employees Jobless

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A massive fire has gutted the premises of Anand Low Price Supermarket in Gulf View early this morning (Sunday 8th February, 2026), causing millions of dollars in damage  and leaving multiple employees without jobs.  Bentley's, a 24-hour hotel located in the lower section of the building, was spared from the blaze, sustaining only minimal water damage during firefighting efforts. Senior Fire Officer Ansar Ali confirmed the fire consumed much of the two-storey property shortly before 4:00 AM, although Officers were able to contain the destruction to the upper floor. According to Ali, the total value of losses as a result of the fire has not yet been determined, but accounting for stock and structural damage, he estimated the figure would be in the millions. According to reports, the Fire Service was contacted around 3:43 AM and an appliance was swiftly dispatched from the Mon Repos Fire Station, arriving at the site within two (2) minutes. Upon arrival, Officers observed that t...

Government Provides $10,700 In Disaster Relief Grants To Chaguanas Family After House Fire

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Pictured Above: The Honourable Vandana Mohit, Minister of the People, Social Development and Family Services presents disaster relief grants to Mr. Jeffery Friday. Also pictured are (L-R) Ms. Patricia De Leon-Henry, National Director, NSDP; Mr. Ryan Ramcharan, Permanent Secretary, MPSDFS and Ms. Vera Deonanan-Balkaran, Deputy Permanent Secretary, MPSDFS. The Government of Trinidad and Tobago, through the Ministry of the People, Social Development and Family Services (MPSDFS), said it continues to demonstrate its commitment to protecting and supporting vulnerable citizens during times of crisis. Minister of the People, Social Development and Family Services, the Honourable Vandana Mohit, presented disaster relief grants totaling $10,700 to Mr. Jeffery Friday for his family of four (4) on Wednesday (21st January, 2026), following a recent fire that caused partial damage to their home at Lions Gate, Enterprise, Chaguanas. The grants distributed were as follows:  Household Items Grant: ...

Elderly Woman Perishes In Laventille Fire — 14 Persons Displaced

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An elderly woman is dead following a devastating fire in Fort Picton, Laventille, on Wednesday afternoon (14th January, 2026). The deceased has been identified as 61-year-old pensioner, Verna Rigault. According to reports, Fire Officers were alerted to a fire at the Picton Housing Development, which started around 11:00 AM, and responded to the scene. Upon arrival, they found the 3-bedroom structure ablaze and began efforts to extinguish the fire.  After the fire was eventually contained, however, Rigault’s body was found crouched in the bathroom during a sweep of the premises. Rigault, along with her beloved parrot and two (2) budgies, perished in the blaze. A mother of six (6) who lives next door said she heard a loud explosion on Rigault's property, which is separated from hers by a wall, and smelled smoke in the air. She said she alerted her teenage son, grabbed her 2-month-old baby and rushed to safety, unaware at the time that Rigault was trapped inside the burning house. Eve...

40+ Dead, Over 100 Severely Injured In Fire At Swiss Ski Resort Bar On New Year’s Day

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According to reports, at least forty (40) people are dead and over 100 others severely injured after a fire broke out during New Year’s Eve celebration at a bar in the Alpine ski resort town of Crans-Montana in Switzerland. The deadly fire is said to have started around 1:30 AM local time (0030 GMT) early Thursday morning (Thursday 1st January, 2026), in a bar popular with tourists, called Le Constellation, as revellers rang in the new year. More than 100 people were in the building at the time. Video from the scene shows orange flames and thick smoke billowing from inside the ground-floor bar and lounge. Screams can be heard as well as loud music. Several people were seen collapsed outside the building, which is located in the centre of the Valais resort. pic.twitter.com/vZEpYR4lfq Several dozen people have been killed and more than 100 injured after a fire broke out at a bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana, Switzerland. Watching people choose to film others being burned in...

50-Year-Old La Romaine Man Dies In Fiery Highway Crash In Gasparillo

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A man is dead following a road traffic accident along the Sir Solomon Hochoy Highway in Gasparillo this afternoon (Sunday 14th December, 2025). The deceased has been identified as 50-year-old Dennis Nehorah of La Romaine, San Fernando. According to reports, Nehorah's car, a light blue Mitsubishi Lancer (PBR 8914), crashed several feet off the Southbound lane of the Sir Solomon Hochoy Highway, near the VOS Government Primary School, around 2:00 PM. The car then burst into flames with Nehorah inside, where he unfortunately died. Police and Emergency Health Services were notified and distraught relatives soon arrived at the scene. Investigations are continuing into the fatal accident. More on this as it becomes available.  [Source: Ian Alleyne ]

Massive Explosion Rocks PDVSA Petrochemical Plant In Venezuela — Investigation Underway

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A massive explosion rocked Venezuela’s Petrocedeño petrochemical plant, a State-run PDVSA facility in the Eastern State of Anzoátegui, near the Orinoco Belt — the country's primary oil-producing region — on Wednesday afternoon (19th November, 2025), followed by a large fire. There were no immediate reports of injuries, or what the cause of the explosion was. A fire erupted on Wednesday at an oil plant in Venezuela’s main oil producing region after people nearby said they heard an explosion. There we no immediate reports of injuries, or what the cause was. pic.twitter.com/zzv7Y8vaTX — Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) November 20, 2025 Witnesses described hearing a loud explosion before flames erupted, creating a massive fireball and thick black smoke visible for miles. Emergency response teams from Petróleos de Venezuela S.A. (PDVSA), including specialized Fire Officers, quickly mobilized to contain the blaze, which was brought under control later that evening. Reports state that a...

UPS Flight 2976 Explodes, Crashes Near Louisville Airport In Kentucky; At Least 3 Dead, 11 Injured

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UPDATE 2: According to Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and Officer Jonathan Biven of the Louisville Airport Police Deptartment, there are now at least seven (7) fatalities. Beshear said there are also eleven (11) injuries ― and he thinks those numbers could grow. DisasterVision: UPS MD11 Crash Update: Dashcam video captures the UPS MD11 moments before disaster as the jet banks hard after takeoff from Louisville Airport and erupts in flames on impact. A whole engine was found near the runway. 📡 What We Know: UPS Flight 2976, a… pic.twitter.com/KJU4XiD47A — John Cremeans (@JohnCremeansX) November 5, 2025   UPDATE: This crash is said to be the deadliest plane crash since UPS Airlines was founded in 1988. Prior to the crash in Louisville, UPS Airlines had two (2) deadly crashes ― both of which resulted in two (2) fatalities. Additional CCTV of the UPS Flight 2976 crash. People on the ground here were incredibly lucky. pic.twitter.com/QcyMGJrNhf — Kim "Katie" USA (@KimKatieUS...

Energy Ministry RESPONDS To Recent Incidents Related To Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Cylinders

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The Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries (MEEI) said it “expresses its heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of those who have sadly lost their lives or have been injured in the recent incidents involving Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders throughout Trinidad and Tobago. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected during this challenging time.” In a Media Release this afternoon (Thursday 23rd October, 2025), the Ministry said it “recognizes the public's concerns regarding these unfortunate incidents and reiterates its dedication to maintaining the highest safety standards in the handling, distribution, and use of LPG. Ensuring the safety of our citizens is our foremost priority.” In light of these incidents, the Ministry notes that it has convened discussions with key stakeholders, including the Occupational Safety and Health Agency (OSHA) and the Trinidad and Tobago Fire Services (TTFS), and is collaborating with relevant organizations to enhance re...