A 67 year old man has died following a fire at an Housing Development Corporation (HDC) apartment complex in Port of Spain on Wednesday night.
Edward Rondon died during a fire at Building F, Charford Court, Charlotte Street.
According to a media release from the HDC, the fire began shortly after 10pm on Wednesday. Fire officers attended to the blaze but were unable to save Mr. Rondon. Another resident Joan Gibson, was rescued from the blaze and is receiving care at the Port of Spain General Hospital. Three other families were also affected.
Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Camille Robinson-Regis assured that officials from Health, Safety and Environment and the Social and Community Departments are conducting damage assessments, and will assist the tenants and remediate the apartments in the shortest time.
Meanwhile, Member of Parliament for Port of Spain North/St. Ann’s West, Stuart Young, also visited the residents. In a statement, the MP stated that it was upsetting to receive the news of the loss of life of Mr. Rondon. Minister Young noted that he has been communicating with Minister Robinson-Regis and had discussions with HDC officials.
The exact cause of the fire has not yet been determined. Investigations are ongoing.