March 12, 2008

Viper Concrete suffers millions in damages after cement-truck fire

A flaming Molotov cocktail was thrown into a cement pump truck and spread to an adjacent building causing millions of dollars in damage to a construction business in Calgary.

In the early hours of March 5, fire crews in Calgary responded to a two alarm fire on 64th Avenue SE.

Upon arrival, firefighters found two large cement pump units at the rear of Giusti Group Ltd.’s Viper Concrete in flames. The fire spread up the side of the 25,000 square foot building and into the roof. Crews quickly gained control of the cement trucks fires.

However, the roof fire took more than two hours to put out. One firefighter suffered minor injuries and was taken to hospital.

Initial losses are estimated at $6 million for equipment as well as an additional $300,000 to the building. The fire is currently under investigation.

Arson investigators said they are reviewing surveillance video to learn more about the deliberately set fire. It is believed that more than one person is responsible.

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