Blaze Tears Through Solomons Old Trail, Cost Right, and Government Offices

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Two of the country’s busiest stores and several government offices were destroyed after a massive blaze tore through the complex off East West Highway,
sending plumes of thick, black smoke into the air, and prompting mass evacuations.

Fire trucks raced to the scene of the massive blaze at the building that houses Solomon’s, Cost Right, Friendly Pharmacy, the Disaster Risk Management Authority, and the Department of Labour.

Emergency crews were quick to respond to the scene just after 10 this morning after a fire broke out at the back of the building.

Solomon’s and Cost Right workers were evacuated from the building and the stores shut down,
as firefighters fought for hours, trying to get the blaze under control.

But at around 12:30, there was an explosion.

We spoke to Jermaine Johnson, a project manager who was on the property when the fire started.

Jermaine Johnson – Project Manager
“One of our generator room systems that’s attached to both buildings, between the Cost Right and the Solomon’s Food Mart, was on fire and we called the authorities.”

Drone footage capturing the raging inferno as it spread from the rear to the front of the building.

Due to the intensity of the fire, police blocked traffic on both sides of East West Highway.

Employees from nearby businesses lined the street. We spoke to one of those workers.

Scott Davis – Smith’s Mechanical
“One of the guys, our team members, came. He said the building’s on fire. Of course, we thought he was kidding around a little bit, but when I rode out front, I did see black smoke just billowing out there. And I said, ‘Guys, we gotta get out.'”

Labour and Public Service Minister Pia Glover Rolle says the building housing the Department of Labour was newly renovated, so employees had not moved into the space.

Pia Glover Rolle – Minister, Labour and Public Service
“None of the ministries moved in yet. The Department of Labour was in a closer proximity to moving in, and we have had furniture installed and there are some files in the building. But fortunately, there are no staff that occupy the building. Those staff that were present—we were on our final walkthrough this morning.”

Also on scene was Commissioner of Police Shanta Knowles… She told reporters that over 60 police officers and other personnel were deployed. Royal Bahamas Defence Force officers also reported for duty to help fight the fire.

Shanta Knowles – Commissioner of Police
“There is lots of fire in the building, and of course you can see the smoke that is emanating from the building. We have offices to the back, to the rear of the building, and at the front of the building.”

As firefighters worked tirelessly to tame the inferno, three officers were injured.

Shanta Knowles – Commissioner of Police, RBPF
“Two of them are at the hospital and we are waiting for another to be transported to hospital. Those injuries at this time, I’m told, are minor injuries.”

In addition to RBPF fire trucks responding to the scene, officials also called in the Airport Authority’s fire truck to help fight the blaze.