‘Covid’ killed in Barrackpore fire, 10 homeless

 - FB page of Families In Need of Support
- FB page of Families In Need of Support

SEVERAL animals including two pet dogs named Covid and Raven were killed in a fire which destroyed a house in Barrackpore on Saturday night leaving 10 people homeless.

The fire at Tin Pan Alley has left Avenash Chatoor, his common-law wife Trisha Harrilal, Chatoor’s mother and stepfather, as well as two siblings and their spouses, and a cousin and his spouse all homeless. The victims range in age from 20 to 50 years.

Harrilal recalled that at 7.15 pm, the dogs began barking. At the time, Harrilal was at home with Chatoor and two other relatives. They checked to find out the cause of the barking but saw no one.

Moments later, they saw a bedroom on fire and the flames quickly spread to other parts of the four-bedroom wooden and concrete house. The concrete part was under renovation.

“It was an old house, so the fire spread fast. It started in my mother-in-law’s bedroom which was locked. She had just left to go a wake. We tried putting out the fire using buckets of water. Any help we get, we would be grateful,” Harrilal said. After the flames were doused, the family found the remains of their two pet dogs.

“We also lost a turtle, parrot and about 60 tilapia fishes. We do not know what started the fire. Neighbours are helping us out, and we need additional help.”

Officials from the disaster management unit of the Penal/Debe Regional Corporation were expected to visit the family. An NGO, Families In Need of Support (FINS), is also assisting the family.

A post on Sunday from FINS’ Facebook page said: “In a very short space of time FINS was able to organise bricks, cement, shovel, trowels, some groceries and personal items to the family.”

“All items were dropped off a short while ago. Thanks to all our continued sponsors and well-wishers for the support.” Anyone willing to help can contact Chatoor at 314-9490.

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"‘Covid’ killed in Barrackpore fire, 10 homeless"

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