BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – A storage container at the Kim Collins Athletics Stadium was set ablaze this morning (Mar. 9) when workers were welding the roof to fix leaks.
The incident occurred sometime before 11:30 a.m., SKNVibes has been informed.
Fire Chief Everette O’Garro told this publication that while the welding was being done, sparks generated during that process fell into the container which resulted in “sponges and other equipment” housed therein, being ignited and destroyed.
He said the fire spread to two adjacent containers.
And while the Fire Officers worked assiduously to contain and extinguish the blaze, it was not done before considerable damage was done.
This publication learnt that the destroyed equipment was that of the St. Kitts-Nevis Amateur Athletics Association (SKNAAA).
And a representative of the body indicated to this media house that these included: two high jump landing pits, one pair of up rights, a lap counter, two shot put chalk stations, a pole vault bed spike mat and a rain cover for the pole vault pit.
While work has not yet been completed in quantifying the damages, SKNVibes understands that it is in excess of US$20,000.
With the Association preparing to host three major scholastic competitions during the next 30 days, the body would be endeavouring to ensure that it is in position to deliver high-quality meets.
