Monday, August 27 2007

BRIDGETOWN: Efforts were underway to rescue a family of five trapped underground after part of the apartment building they were living in collapsed into a cave early Sunday morning.

Police, fire and Disaster Emergency Management Agency officials were out in full force on the scene in Brittons Cross Road in the island’s parish of St Michael trying to find the three children and two adults. The incident occurred about 4:45 am.

Acting Commissioner of Police Bertie Hinds said engineering experts had to determine whether the area was safe enough to proceed with the rescue attempt. However, just after 10 am., a two-man team was sent in.

He said they had heard voices crying for help up to four hours after the incident. But he said those cries had become fainter and up to 8 am., no one else was heard.

Three other families living in the apartment building managed to get out safely and temporary shelter is being provided for them in a nearby school.

Residents within 500 feet of the area have been evacuated in the interest of safety, but officials said they will have to make a determination on whether the area will be declared a disaster area.

Prime Minister Owen Arthur, other government officials and Opposition Leader, David Thompson, visited the scene yesterday as efforts progressed.

Prime Minister Arthur described the incident as a catastrophe and said he had put a team in place to manage the situation.