The TT Fire Service has revealed that the fire which destroyed four cars in the car park of the University of the West Indies, St Augustine campus on Tuesday was accidental.
Following their investigations, fire officials pinpointed an “ongoing mechanical repair to the fuel pump of a Nissan B 13” as the cause. In a release the TTFS said the fire started in the fuel pump area in the back seat of the vehicle.
They also discovered the battery was not disconnected during the repair works. The fire spread to three other vehicles including a Kia Soul, Hyundai Ioniq and a Mitsubushi Lancer. Appliances from the Tunapuna Fire Station responded under the supervision of Fire Station Officer (Ag) Ian Woods.
n a statement the University of the West Indies said at 11:24 a.m. campus authorities were alerted to a fire incident involving four vehicles at the JFK Staff Carpark, situated on the southern side of the campus.
Officials confirm previous reports that no one was injured.
“In an immediate and coordinated response, the UWI Estate Police, the Campus Incident Management Team and the Emergency Volunteer team, rapidly sprang into action calling on the Trinidad and Tobago Fire Services who quickly arrived to contain the fire,” the UWI said.
” University personnel will continue to support the authorities and a full investigation into the cause of the fire is underway. Vehicle owners impacted by this incident have been contacted directly by our Emergency Response Team to address any concerns and provide support. Additionally, counselling services will be made available.”
The UWI said priority now shifts towards the assessment, cleaning, and necessary repairs required to restore the carpark to full functionality, ensuring its availability to the campus community.