Robbers set clothing store ablaze, 6 people killed in normally peaceful Barbados

Robbers burn clothing store, 6 die in Barbados

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados — Robbers set a clothing store ablaze, killing at least six people in the normally peaceful capital of Barbados, police said Saturday.

Two men burst into a clothing store in downtown Bridgetown and demanded money before setting the building on fire Friday evening, police spokesman David Welch said.

Three of the victims were employees at the Campus Trendz Boutique, and the other three were customers, he said. They apparently became trapped when they ran to the back of the store to escape the fire.

“It’s a national tragedy,” Welch said. “We do not have this sort of incident.”

Police had been unable to finish searching the building Saturday afternoon because parts of it were still burning, but it was unlikely more victims will be found, Welch said.

“We’re still doing a search because there’s still immense heat coming from the ruins,” he said.

Police have a description of the two attackers, but no one has been arrested.

Firefighters trying to determine what sort of device was used to set the blaze, said fire officer Rodney Best.

The store catered to shoppers on a budget and was located near Broad Street, the main avenue in the capital.

Barbados is an offshore financial center where crime is rare and usually involves petty theft.