At the time of the fire, the caretaker Hildrod Thomas and his three daughters were asleep in the attic of the building and were effectively trapped until firefighters managed to rescue them. One of the girls was subsequently hospitalised after inhaling smoke but was said to be recovering.
The mystery fire reportedly started at 3.30 am. However, the rapid response by the fire service and aided by the early morning rains, helped to contain the flames to one building. The ground and first floors were completely gutted.
Thomas, the caretaker of the building and owner of the antique shop, said he resided in the attic with his three daughters and was asleep at the time. He said he was awakened by his 12-year-old daughter, Zamantha Dillon to find his apartment engulfed with smoke and heat rising from the floor. He said they were trapped in attic but the firemen were able to get them out by breaking the security doors.
Dillon was hospitalised yesterday and being treated for smoke inhalation.
Thomas is thankful for the swift actions of the firemen who he said saved his life and those of his children. Thomas said he has to find a way to show his gratitude to them.
Thomas operated his store for the last 15 years. When asked about the future, he said that he will take it one day at a time; right now he is just thankful to be alive.
