Sint Maarten : Fire destroys apartment buildings

On Wednesday March 30th 2016 at approximately 06.30 p.m. a call came into the Emergency Dispatch Center informing them of a large apartment fire at Maracas drive number 5 in Cape Bay. Immediately several police patrols, Fire department and paramedics were dispatch to the scene to investigate what was taking place.

On the scene the investigating officers noticed that an apartment complex consisting of three apartments located at the rear of the main building at Maracas drive number 5 were on fire. Immediately the fire department went to work in extinguish the fire which had grown quite large.

Traffic in and out of Cape Bay was diverted through other street in the area which allowed the police to keep onlookers at a safe distance and the fire department to go to work without any obstructions. Within short the fire department had the situation on the control.

On young lady was checked out by paramedics for smoke inhalation but was released shortly after. There were no injuries reported during the fire, however the fire caused significant damage to the apartment building. Three separate families living in these apartments have suffered quite some loss, however they are temporarily been assisted by other family members. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. As more information becomes available the media will be informed.

The Honorable Prime Minister William Marlin and the Honorable Minister of Justice Edson Kirindongo after receiving information of the incident immediately came to the scene to gather hands on information from the Chief of Police Carl John and the Head of operation on scene Mr. Paulleta of the Fire Department.