Redemption Market destroyed by fire

The Redemption Market in downtown Kingston has been destroyed by fire.

The blaze, which started late Monday night, spread early Tuesday morning as firefighters struggled to contain it due to a lack of water.

Scores of persons, including vendors, the police and fire personnel all looked on as looters made off with various items including clothing and appliances while the fire raged.

Assistant Superintendent of the Kingston Central Police, Earl Willis, told RJR News that it was difficult to control the looters.

No one was arrested.

Fire trucks were on the scene but with little or no water. This derailed efforts to save anything in the market and the fire threatened other buildings nearby.

This drew the ire of vendors who argued that goods could have been saved.

In the end, burnt clothes, shoes and barrels were scattered around the market in pools of water.  

According to the vendors, this is a major blow to them as many had taken out loans to stock up for the profitable graduation and back-to-school shopping seasons.