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Over TT$20 Million in Copper Cables Reportedly Destroyed as TSTT Assesses Wider Financial Damage More than TT$20 million worth of copper cables is estimated to have been destroyed following a massive fire at the Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago (TSTT) compound in Laventille, raising questions about the full financial impact on the state-owned telecommunications company. The preliminary figure represents the estimated value of the insulated copper cables destroyed in the blaze on Saturday, 24 October 2026. However, the overall cost could be greater once damage to the facility and other affected assets is assessed. Minister of Public Utilities Barry Padarath confirmed that the losses extend beyond the copper itself, noting that renovation and restoration works had been taking place at the facility. According to the Minister, the assessment must consider not only the destroyed materials but also the investments already made in improving the compound. He also indicated that discussions with Angostura would be necessary to determine whether the incident had affected that company's operations. The fire occurred at TSTT's Laventille Work Centre cable yard along the Eastern Main Road, where substantial quantities of copper had been stored. Padarath revealed that TSTT's copper had recently been placed on public tender, describing the material as one of the company's significant assets. The Minister also raised concerns about previous incidents involving copper theft and vandalism, although investigators have not established a motive for the fire. Firefighters battled the blaze throughout the night before bringing it under control on Sunday morning. One firefighter sustained superficial burns and suffered smoke inhalation during the operation. Police are treating the incident as suspected arson. As of 28 October, six people had been questioned, but investigators had not gathered sufficient evidence to proceed with criminal charges. For TSTT, the financial implications remain a central concern. While the estimated TT$20 million copper loss is already substantial, the final figure will depend on the valuation of the destroyed materials, the condition of the affected facility and any additional restoration costs. Neither TSTT nor the authorities have confirmed a final damage assessment. The investigation continues as the company works to establish the full extent of its losses.
Over TT$20 Million in Copper Cables Reportedly Destroyed as TSTT Assesses Wider Financial Damage
More than TT$20 million worth of copper cables is estimated to have been destroyed following a massive fire at the Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago (TSTT) compound in Laventille, raising questions about the full financial impact on the state-owned telecommunications company.
The preliminary figure represents the estimated value of the insulated copper cables destroyed in the blaze on Saturday, 24 October 2026. However, the overall cost could be greater once damage to the facility and other affected assets is assessed.
Minister of Public Utilities Barry Padarath confirmed that the losses extend beyond the copper itself, noting that renovation and restoration works had been taking place at the facility.
According to the Minister, the assessment must consider not only the destroyed materials but also the investments already made in improving the compound.
He also indicated that discussions with Angostura would be necessary to determine whether the incident had affected that company’s operations.
The fire occurred at TSTT’s Laventille Work Centre cable yard along the Eastern Main Road, where substantial quantities of copper had been stored.
Padarath revealed that TSTT’s copper had recently been placed on public tender, describing the material as one of the company’s significant assets.
The Minister also raised concerns about previous incidents involving copper theft and vandalism, although investigators have not established a motive for the fire.
Firefighters battled the blaze throughout the night before bringing it under control on Sunday morning. One firefighter sustained superficial burns and suffered smoke inhalation during the operation.
Police are treating the incident as suspected arson. As of 28 October, six people had been questioned, but investigators had not gathered sufficient evidence to proceed with criminal charges.
For TSTT, the financial implications remain a central concern.
While the estimated TT$20 million copper loss is already substantial, the final figure will depend on the valuation of the destroyed materials, the condition of the affected facility and any additional restoration costs.
Neither TSTT nor the authorities have confirmed a final damage assessment.
The investigation continues as the company works to establish the full extent of its losses.
News Desk is the editorial publishing account for Tringlobe Media News, covering breaking news, public affairs, entertainment, community developments and regional stories across Trinidad and Tobago, the Caribbean and internationally.
