An early morning fire on Sunday, December 29, 2024, left a trail of devastation in South San Pedro, destroying two apartment buildings and a metal-framed garage. The blaze has displaced 12 families just days after the Christmas holidays, with authorities now investigating arson as a possible cause.
The fire broke out around 1:30 a.m. on Sea Star Street, prompting an immediate response from San Pedro Police. Upon arrival, officers found a wooden apartment structure engulfed in flames, which quickly spread to a neighboring wooden apartment building and a metal garage.
Firefighters fought tirelessly to contain the blaze, eventually extinguishing it before it could spread further. Miraculously, no injuries were reported, but the financial losses are expected to be significant, including the destruction of the buildings, vehicles and motorcycles parked near the apartments.
Explosion Points to Suspicious Origin of Fire
Preliminary investigations revealed that the fire originated in Room #4 of the first apartment building. A tenant described hearing a loud hissing noise emanating from gas tanks in his downstairs room. When he attempted to open the door, an explosion occurred, throwing him backward.
The tenant explains that he bravely re-entered the room and discovered multiple gas tanks with open valves releasing gas. The fire ignited almost immediately, spreading rapidly to adjacent structures. Adding to the tragedy are allegations that Angela Tun, a worker staying in one of the rooms for the past four days, had been threatening harm to other tenants. Tun, a Belizean-Mexican national, is now a person of interest in the ongoing investigation.
Heroic Rescue Amid the Inferno
One tenant told Ambergris Today that during the chaos, two police officers risked their lives to rescue four sleeping children trapped inside one of the burning buildings. Their bravery has been hailed as a heroic act in an otherwise tragic event.
Community Reeling from Loss
The displaced families are now left grappling with the loss of their homes and belongings. While the financial toll of the disaster is yet to be fully assessed, the emotional impact on the victims is immeasurable.
Authorities continue to investigate the fire, with arson suspected as a possible cause. As the community rallies to support the displaced families, questions about the fire’s origin and the alleged threats by Tun remain at the forefront of the inquiry. This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of community in times of crisis.
