Burning incense sticks can bring peace of mind to users. Instead they were the source of pain and suffering yesterday as nine people were left homeless after fire destroyed their apartment building in Marabella. Comedian Eirnil Henry, 35, whose family owns the apartment complex, estimated losses at $2 million.
Henry performs with popular comedian Learie Joseph and is known as Sgt Taylor of?Besson?Street Police Station in?Joseph's comedy festival shows. Speaking outside the burnt ruins of his home, Henry said, the family was still counting the losses after the apartment complex on Battoo Avenue, Marabella, was destroyed.
Henry said the fire started around 2.30 pm yesterday in one of the four rooms on the upper floor of the house. He said one was occupied by his brother while the other three rooms were rented. Henry said he lived in one of the two apartments on the ground floor. The second apartment, he said, was occupied by a couple and two children. Henry, an estate constable, was in his bedroom when the fire broke out.
"I was downstairs when I heard cars making noise, honking horns when they passing on the road. I come outside and I see the house on fire," Henry said. He said he contacted the Fire Service and within 15 minutes appliances were on the scene. "They did well to control the fire," Henry said. Henry said he knew which room the fire started and he called the tenant.
"I ask him what he do in the room and he say the only thing he leave lighting in the room was an incense and he thought he put it in a good place. We lost our home and our source of income.?We could not save anything," Henry said shaking his head. Henry said he will be staying at his home next door. He was uncertain where the tenants would be housed in the meanwhile.
"I holding up strong but nothing was salvaged in the house. If we could get help at least start back up on the house, that would be nice," Henry said. Investigations are continuing.
