Estimate of bank's damage uncertain

OCHO RIOS, St. Ann:

DISTRICT OFFICER of the Ocho Rios Fire Department, Lenworth McBean, said the brigade is yet to establish an accurate estimate of the building housing the Jamaica Savings and Loan Bank in Gayle, St. Mary, which was destroyed by fire on Thursday.

Mr. McBean said the estimated $2.5 million damage could be increased as there was a portion of the building separated by a steel door in which there were important bank documents and which might have contained money.

According to the fire officer, 85 per cent of the 75-year-old building was made of board, while the remaining portion was concrete. Investigating officer of the Gayle Police Station, Corporal Uriah Steel, said neighbours saw smoke coming from the building at about 4:15 a.m. and alerted the police who then notified the Ocho Rios and Port Maria fire stations. The building was owned by Michael Evelyn and was insured. Thursday's fire was the 11th in St. Mary since the start of October.

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