ENTERPRISE, TRINIDAD — While firefighters continue investigating the origin of Thursday’s catastrophic blaze that destroyed the Mitsuda Superstore on Longdenville Old Road, shell-shocked residents are counting their blessings that no fatalities occurred even as they face substantial property damage.
As cleanup operations persisted through Friday, affected homeowners issued urgent calls for the business owners to convene compensation discussions for their losses. The explosion accompanying the fire inflicted severe structural damage to at least eight neighboring residences, with shattered windows and torn roofing sheets littering properties throughout the community.
Resident Ishwar Lalsaroop, whose home sits directly behind the commercial compound, described the terrifying moment of detonation: “I was behind my truck when suddenly there was a loud boom like something from the movies. Then all the windows shattered simultaneously. If I didn’t know better, I would have said it was a bomb.” The carpenter reported significant damage to his professional equipment and property.
The human impact extended beyond physical damage. Wendell Grimshaw, another resident, revealed his two children—aged 21 and 15—were traumatized while home during the incident. “They had to duck to the ground as glass exploded inward,” Grimshaw recounted. “They were scared and panicked, not knowing what was happening.”
Despite the chaos, the community faced additional challenges as looters attempted to plunder the devastated compound before dawn on Friday. According to watchmen stationed nearby, two separate groups—including one using a child as lookout—attempted to scavenge merchandise from the still-smoldering ruins before being intercepted by authorities.
Fire officials confirmed the blaze initially erupted around 12:30 p.m. Thursday, requiring fourteen continuous hours to contain. While the exact cause remains undetermined, preliminary assessment suggests the fire originated in the western sector housing meats and household items. Reigniting embers necessitated return visits from fire crews throughout Friday.
The business addressed the catastrophe via social media, posting on Facebook: “We are incredibly grateful to confirm that no one was hurt, and the safety of our staff and customers remains our top priority. Mitsuda is more than just a store—it’s a community. With your continued support, we will rebuild and come back stronger than ever.”
Multiple residents and employees received treatment for smoke inhalation after thick plumes engulfed the neighborhood, prompting evacuations of vulnerable residents including children, elderly citizens, and one individual with special needs. Several vehicles sustained damage, and one adjacent residence suffered roof fires.