LIAT acknowledges investigators’ findings into hangar fire

ST. JOHN’S, Antigua, June 27, 2012 – Regional airline LIAT has acknowledged the findings of investigators into the June 10 fire at its hangar.

While the investigation is continuing, the law enforcement authorities have ruled out arson as the cause of the fire which destroyed one of the company’s two hangars, an aircraft and two office buildings.

(L-R) Constable Wayne Ian Griffith (Royal Barbados Police Force); Cpl John Williams; Cpl Philton Bascombe; Sgt Alpheus O’Garro; Special Constable Lotoya Lake; Inspector Rupert Malcolm; Constable Danny Lewis; Inspector Roderick Hayden Walcott (Royal Barbados Police Force); Cpl Rae Charles

“LIAT sincerely thanks the authorities for their dedication and hard work and we are pleased with the findings of the investigation,” Chief Executive Officer Brian Challenger said.

“I would like to add my gratitude to the Government of Barbados in general and the two-member team from the Barbados Police Force in particular who assisted with the investigation.”

Mr. Challenger also thanked the members of LIAT’s internal security team as well as employees from other departments throughout the company “who have worked tirelessly since the incident to get us to this stage.”

The investigative team comprised seven officers from the Antigua and Barbuda Police Force and Fire Service along with the two Forensic Investigators from the Royal Barbados Police Force.

The site of the fire remains secure and restricted as issues of safety remain paramount whilst the Company endeavours to fully recover its insured losses.