Bahamas Bay Street Blaze Doused

Watch Bay Street Blaze

A fire that broke out on Bay Street in Nassau early this morning has been put out, but not before claiming a national treasure.
The Pompey Museum, built pre-1796, has been virtually gutted, according to press reports. The building, just east of the Hilton in the heart of the city of Nassau, was used as a market and an auction house for slaves in days gone by.


Named Vendue House, (French for Sold), it was renamed after the slave, Pompey, who led a revolt on the island of Exuma in the Bahamas.
Cultural officials told The Nassau Guardian the country has lost a national treasure. The Guardian also quoted fire fighters as saying the blaze is now under control.


It's believed the fire started in a temporary straw market. Fanned by stiff winds from the north, it destroyed the market and the nearby Balcony nightclub. However, the new, multi-million dollar straw market to the west appears to have been spared.
There was some damage to roofs across the street.


Bay Street is closed.