Donations of food, toys and cash have been pouring in for the Watler family who lost their Newlands home this week in an explosion, the cause of which is still unknown.
A shopping cart set up at Foster’s Countryside, labelled ‘Donation for Watler family’, was packed with food items, book bags and other supplies Wednesday, in a sign of the Cayman community’s trademark generosity.
“I am not surprised at all by the response, it is the definition of Caymankind. It has been lovely to see the response,” a source close to the family told the Cayman Compass Wednesday in a telephone interview.
She said the Watlers have been touched by the community support since the blast and welcomed all kind donations.
“It has been really great. We have received cash, food, toys for kids, even an offer for a bed,” she said.
Homeowner Rex Watler, 44, remains in hospital following the blast at his Bayfield Crescent home, which occurred just after 1pm on Monday. He is being treated for “serious injuries”, police have said.
Three others were hurt in the incident; they have since been released from hospital.
The family members who have been left homeless by the explosion, have been temporarily moved to a local hotel with assistance from their insurance company, the source close to the Watlers said.
She said the family of six, which includes two kids, aged 6 months and 3 years, and four adults, are looking to move into an apartment next week.
“We are looking for the apartment… it will be paid for, so if there is anyone with an apartment for four adults and two kids they can let us know,” she said.
She said the family are praying for Watler’s recovery and have been praising God that the children were not in the house at the time of the blast.
The area, she said, is still cordoned off and the homeowners cannot go into the property to look for their belongings so they need as much help as people can provide.
She said so far “the community has been very supportive”.
Governor Jane Owen, speaking on Wednesday’s episode of the Cayman Compass talkshow ‘The Resh Hour’, noted the “terrible house explosion”, sending out her “thoughts to all the people affected”.
She said the Cayman Islands Regiment was deployed in the area at the request of the police and was “able to offer some support there as well with cordons and helping to manage what was a very difficult scene, particularly in the early hours of it”.
This, she said, shows that the Regiment has “great value… well beyond hurricanes”.
Investigations continue
Police have said Wednesday that they will keep the area of the blast cordoned off for the time being and will advise the public when it is cleared.
As to the explosion, the RCIPS said, “at this point investigations continue and the cause of the incident is unknown. No arrests have been made in relation to this incident.”
Home Gas general manager John Corallo, in a statement on the company’s social media pages, said its team of experts is working closely with the authorities to provide necessary information and support the ongoing investigation.
He said the company expresses deepest sympathy for the individuals and surrounding community following the explosion.
Police confirmed that Home Gas is one of several key stakeholders offering their support as investigations continue.
In its statement, Home Gas reminded propane users that much like any fuel or energy source, precautions should be taken and encouraged those with propane in their home or business to ensure tanks, pipework, and appliances are installed by certified technicians or liquefied petroleum gas providers.
Propane tanks and appliances, it said, should be serviced regularly.
It also advised that “if you smell propane or suspect a leak, immediately turn off the supply valve at your tank and call Home Gas 24 hours a day at 949-7474”.
Anyone with information on available apartments to assist the Watler family can WhatsApp (345) 923-0300. For financial donations, email [email protected] for more details.
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