The burnt-out apartments are seen in La Palmeraie Residence in French Quarter.
MARIGOT--The Collectivité has provided support for at least three families after a fire said to have been caused by a gas bottle explosion destroyed four apartments in the La Palmeraie residential building in French Quarter (FQ), on Saturday morning.
No lives were lost but one person was slightly injured and another suffered from shock. All were taken care of by emergency services.
The Fire Brigade of St. Martin was quickly on the scene with Gendarmes and Territorial Police. The fire broke out in an apartment on the top floor of the building and spread to other units before it was extinguished by fire fighters.
President Daniel Gibbs praised the rapid response of the Fire Brigade, Police, Gendarmerie and first responders. He confirmed the Collectivité’s Department of Solidarity and Families has provided attentive support for the affected families.
Fourth Vice-President Steven Patrick and Third Vice-President Annick Pétrus and her services were also at the scene of the fire to console the families. In total, seven adults and eight children were affected by the fire. Three families had to be relocated.
The Direction de l’Autonomie des Personnes of the Department of Solidarity and Families is responsible for coordinating the assistance provided to the victims and their children, in conjunction with other organizations and associations of the territory. Psychological support is also planned in conjunction with the Regional Health Agency and Louis-Constant Fleming Hospital.
SEMSAMAR, which manages the La Palmeraie residence, has relocated the three families to equipped mobile homes located in the neighbouring residence, while the necessary administrative formalities are completed for a more suitable relocation.
Gibbs pledged his full support to the families affected by this fire and thanked all the elected representatives and staff of the Collectivité, who quickly mobilized to help the victims overcome this difficult ordeal.
