Rasbert Turner, Gleaner Writer
Thick smoke rises from a section of the Jamaica Bedding Company's mattress factory in Old Harbour, St. Catherine on Wednesday. - IAN ALLEN/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
A SECTION of the Jamaica Bedding Company in Old Harbour, St. Catherine, was gutted by fire on Wednesday.
Eyewitness reports suggest the fire started around 10:30 a.m. in a section of the building, which is used for the storage and assembly of mattresses. Minutes later, fire engulfed the entire building.
The employees called for assistance, and three units from the nearby Old Harbour, May Pen and Spanish Town stations responded. All the contents in the building were incinerated. As a result of the fire, dozens of jobs may be in jeopardy.
"Right now Christmas a come and a don't know what a going to do as di place burn down and ah it mi depend pon fi mi livelihood," said employee, Osmond Tomlin.
DIRECTOR SHOCKED
When The Gleaner arrived at the scene, the firemen were still battling gallantly to bring the raging fire under control. Scores of onlookers stood outside watching with open-jawed excitement until the fire was eventually brought under control.
According to a director of the company, Lloyd Lewin, he was still shocked at the development.
"When I came, I was told that the fire started at the rear. As it is now, I cannot say much, other than it is a big setback. This is a great loss and it will take a rational view for us to remain focused," he said.
Mr. Lewin told The Gleaner that the building was partially insured.
In April last year, another factory operated by the company along South Avenue in Old Harbour was completely gutted by fire and is yet to be rebuilt.
Personnel from the fire department have not yet determined the origin of the fire, and there has been no estimate on the cost of the damage.
