Arsonists firebombed the compound of HSM Motors in Chase Village in Chaguanas before dawn on Thursday, resulting in millions of dollars of damage and many people condemning the malicious act.
HSM CEO Mikhail Hosein said around 15 vehicles of different models, including a Tesla car, were completely burnt. The blaze also damaged two buildings.
“We have no idea why someone did this. Our guess is as good as yours. We are surprised. We are shocked. We are appalled,” Hosein told Newsday as he looked at some burnt-out shells.
Apart from the auto company at the front, the compound also comprised an agricultural division at the back.
Hosein said he had not yet seen the CCTV footage of the attack, but from what he was told, three men entered the compound at around 3 am and tossed 11 Molotov cocktails at different places.
At the time, two security guards were on the compound. Chaguanas fire and police officers were alerted, and Hosein said they managed to save most of the cars and contained the fire.
“We have not begun to assess the damage. We removed cars from this building in the front. Our main focus was trying to contain the fire,” Hosein said. “The authorities were very responsive. I think the fire service did a good job controlling the fire. It could have been worse if they had not responded the way they did.”
The CEO added that the cost of the damage was still to be ascertained, but it is in the millions.
The company has been operational for the past 24 years, and Thursday’s attack was its most catastrophic loss ever.
Hosein recalled that in 2018, there was a robbery at gunpoint on the site, and the bandits stole a company vehicle from a director.
The attack happened a day after Tyrone “Stephon” Foster, 25, of Anand Yankaran Extension, Exchange Village in Couva, died after his family’s home was also firebombed.
Three other relatives, his mother, 54, uncle and friend, 17, sustained burns and were hospitalized. The victims were asleep at around 2.45 am on Wednesday when the attack happened.
On Thursday, HSM Motors also issued a statement on its social media platforms, saying it regrets to inform the public of the devastating incident.
“Our facility was targeted in an act of arson, resulting in significant damage to the building and the destruction of vehicles,” the statement said. As such, HSM Motors was temporarily closed until further notice. “Our priority at this time is to assess the extent of the damage, ensure the safety of our employees and customers, and collaborate with law enforcement authorities to investigate this matter thoroughly,” the statement said.
“We understand the inconvenience this closure may cause and appreciate the patience and understanding of our customers and the community during this challenging time.”
The company promised to update the public on its reopening and assured customers awaiting delivery of vehicles that this incident would not affect their orders.
“We are committed to fulfilling our obligations and ensuring a smooth delivery process,” the statemen
