Area Rep Manuel Heredia Jr. Expresses Shock and Condolences After Deadly San Pedro Fire

The worst fire tragedy in San Pedro occurred early on the morning of June twelfth in the Escalante Subdivision on the island where four persons were killed in the blaze. The charred remains of a mother, her two children and her niece were discovered in a corner to the rear of what was left of the two-storey structure they once called home. The family apparently died together as the ashes show that the mother huddled her children.  The emotional statements by the grandmother and a heart wrenching post by a surviving son have gripped the country. Area rep, Manuel Heredia Junior had not yet spoken about the death of his constituents, but today he said that the incident was unfortunate.

Manuel Heredia Jr.

Manuel Heredia Jr., Area Rep., Belize Rural South

“I personally am very shocked; my condolences to the family. Both families from the father’s side and from the mother’s side I know them extremely well; I might go as far as to say they are strong supporters of myself and it was really a disaster. The exact cause, I have not really heard directly from Fire Department. It was rumored that it was caused by the cart; I have yet to confirm with the fire department of NEMO. But it was a tragic accident, very unfortunate and we are doing whatever. Life you cannot bring them back but at least to help the family, assist them in whatever we can.  It was really sad, especially how they were found—embraced together—and again in speaking with the mayor, we have to be a little more careful not only in the approval of plans but in making sure when the house is completed, we can go and verify that it has been done according to the approved plan because unfortunately, it had only one step—two doors but one step. And one of the doors, I understand because when the hurricane was coming, they had some braces inside and so it was impossible to open that one and that is where the very unfortunate deaths of these people happened.”