A strange wind

Roseau Market vendors along Hanover Street were sent scampering for cover earlier this morning as fire rained down from the high tension wires in the area. At about 10:30 this morning, a powerful and unexpected gust sucked up a number of sun-umbrellas sending several flying through the sky. One of the umbrellas made contact with the high-tension wires, sparking off a small explosion and a consequent blackout in most of Roseau. The umbrella burst into flames upon contact with the high-tension wires, spurting fire in every direction. Although no one was hurt or injured, the incident left an elderly woman from Bellevue in shock. At the time of the incident she was seated in a pick up truck packed on the west side of the road. Fire rained down into the back of the pick up truck. She was taken to the Princess Margaret Hospital for treatment.

Several of the vendors in the area described the wind as ‘a strange and evil wind.’ “I’ve been selling at the market for a number of years and I am 53 and I have never seen a wind like that,” said one anxious vendor. “This looked like a small tornado touched down here today; the Lord is trying to tell us something,” mused another. According to eyewitness reports the wind, which seemed to have touched down on Hanover Street, literally sucked up around five umbrellas through its vortex depositing three into the Roseau River. “From my office window,” noted Lloyd Pascal, an employee at DEXIA, “I could see three umbrellas sailing though the air. One got caught in the high-tension lines and then burst into flames.” The umbrella was complete singed with the charred remains strewn all over the ground.

Several persons in and around the market heard the explosion, which resulted in an immediate loss of power to homes and offices in most of Roseau. The affected power lines, according to Domlec officials, are among the major lines distributing electricity into the city. The electricity company however was able to repair the lines in quick time and restored power by about 12:30.

Although most persons were somewhat surprised by this morning’s incident, this was not the first time something like that happened. According to Mary Millicent, an employee at the Roseau Market, “this happens from time to time.” She noted, “the umbrellas are light and if they are not securely fastened any strong wind just blows them away. They land in the river or anywhere.” To avoid a possible repeat of this incident or something worse, from now on, the Roseau Market vendors (and other vendors in and around Roseau should take note) will have to exercise a little more caution and ensure their umbrellas are securely fastened to their tables.