Criminal activity suspected in Scotiabank explosion
Published:Sunday | April 24, 2022 | 12:09 AMGareth Davis Sr - Sunday Gleaner Writer
PORT ANTONIO, Portland:
Criminal intent is suspected to be behind yesterday’s early morning massive explosion at Scotiabank in Port Antonio, Portland, the police say, which resulted in one man being hospitalised after he was found with injuries in an incinerator at the back of the building.
“The cause of the explosion is not yet ascertained. However, criminal activity is suspected and we are following strong leads and will make a breakthrough in short order,” commanding officer for the Portland Police Division, Superintendent Kenneth Chin, told The Sunday Gleaner.
At approximately 4 a.m. yesterday, as rain pelted the parish, a massive explosion rocked the bank, located along the commercial strip of Harbour Street. The blast shattered glass doors and windows at the facility, twisted metallic window and door frames, damaged a section of the roof as well as internal fixtures and furnishings. It also destroyed two ATMs on the outside.
The impact from the explosion also sent shattered glass flying more than 60 feet across the roadway to the City Plaza complex, while the nearby Kamals Wholesale Store had its glass window at the front partially damaged.
Responding to the incident, the police said they found a man at the rear of the building in an incinerator, with burn wounds, bleeding from the head and injuries to his right leg. He was transported to hospital for treatment.
“Initial estimated loss is assessed to be in excess of $12 million. A high-level probe is now being conducted by several entities,” Chin said.
An investigator told The Sunday Gleaner that the emergency exit door at the rear of the bank was found ajar.
Senior Deputy Superintendent of the Jamaica Fire Brigade, Emeleo Ebanks, told The Sunday Gleaner that early yesterday morning, they received a call that the Scotiabank in Port Antonio was on fire.
“On arrival, the fire brigade saw fire coming from an area that housed two ATMs,” said Ebanks.
“We got into operation and after about five minutes, the fire was brought under control and later extinguished. The damage was contained. The ATMs, the machine room, a bathroom, two offices, some office equipment, and AC units were damaged. Investigators are trying to ascertain the cause of the fire.”
In a statement yesterday evening, Yanique Forbes-Patrick, Scotiabank’s vice president of public affairs and communications, said, “Scotiabank confirms that there was an explosion at our Port Antonio branch location early this morning (yesterday), causing damage to our branch and Automated Banking Machines. The matter is currently being investigated by the police and fire departments. We will begin restoring services as soon we have clearance to do so.
“Customers are reminded that they can use the ABMs at Braham’s Gas Station at 15 Harbour Street or any other ABM on the multilink network for cash services. Online and mobile banking may be used to pay bills and transfer funds.
“We sincerely regret any inconvenience this incident has caused to customers and we will keep the public informed regarding the reopening of the branch once we have been able to assess damages.”