Post a comment
A fire at Shalimar Trading Limited in Waterloo is alleged to have originated from the burning of sawdust at a nearby timber factory, according to Public Relations Officer (PRO) Hon. David Soriebah.
The PRO confirmed that the blaze was reported shortly after 1:30 AM when emergency calls alerted the company to flames engulfing their building.
“The CEO, Mr. Musa Morowa, also alerted me, and we immediately left for Waterloo. Upon arrival, we encountered a devastating fire consuming the entire building,” he stated.
In an effort to determine the cause of the fire, the PRO noted that residents shared conflicting accounts, suggesting differing perspectives on the incident.
Tragically, one of their staff members, an Indian national who had joined the company just one month and three weeks earlier, lost his life in the fire. The victim was reportedly the brother-in-law of the manager at Shalimar Limited’s Waterloo branch.
Pointing to a nearby timber factory that sells logs, the PRO explained, “Some claimed the fire originated from the timber factory. According to them, workers were burning sawdust, and the flames spread to our building, setting it ablaze.”
He accused the factory workers of routinely burning sawdust, despite prior warnings. “Three days ago, they lit a pile of sawdust, and one of our workers—an Indian national—approached them, warning that the fire was too close to our building. However, because he was a foreigner, they became hostile and even attempted to assault him.”
After the fire, the Indian staff member reportedly reminded them that he had cautioned against the dangerous practice, but his warnings were ignored.
The PRO confirmed that the fire completely destroyed the four-apartment structure. “All four apartments were fully furnished, and all personal belongings inside were burnt. No one managed to salvage anything,” he emphasized.
Fortunately, motorbikes parked in a separate store were unaffected, and all were found in good condition upon inspection.
The PRO commended the Waterloo Division police for securing the scene overnight. “A large crowd gathered, eager to break into the building, but the police maintained control and ensured order,” he asserted.
He concluded by confirming that a thorough investigation is underway, with the case transferred to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) headquarters. Two investigators have already begun their work, interviewing a woman who leased a structure on the premises.
