Nine people. among them a physically challenged child were left homeless yesterday after fire destroyed two Middle Ridge Bethel homes.
The incident happened just after midnight Tuesday.
Police and fire officials investigating the cause of the fire described it as as “suspicious.”
Guardian Media visited the community yesterday and met the fire victims looking on as T&TEC officials combed through the smouldering remains.
According to fire officials, one of the houses belonged to Margaret Homeward whose home was valued at $3.1 million while the other structure belonged to Isolea Sammy, valued at $2.3 million.
A distraught Sammy said, “Right now I can’t even talk.”
One neighbour, who chose to remain unidentified gave an account of what occurred.
“There was an altercation on the junction between two brothers (both names given) and the altercation eventually moved to the house. Then we heard loud explosion then flames.”
According to the neighbour, one of the persons involved in the altercation has previously made repeated threats to “burn down the house.”
Divisional Fire Officer for Tobago David Thomas said nothing could be done to save the homes.
“The calls came in at about 12:45 and by the tine we got there both buildings were well alight,” he said.
He said police and fire officials are investigating the circumstances surrounding the cause of the fire as preliminary investigations have “aroused suspicions.”
