Business along San Fernando's usually-bustling High Street got off to a late start today, after an early-morning fire brought traffic congestion and forced several stores to stay closed.
The fire damaged part of the fifth floor of Edan's Centre.
Workers, customers and street vendors gathered in a large crowd at Library corner, as San Fernando police cordoned off the intersections at Penitence Street and Library Corner, and Mon Repos fire officers worked to secure the area.
Among the affected businesses were Republic Bank, RIK Services, Miguel Moses, Queensway, Princess Cosmetics and Gopaul Electronics.
Commuters heading out of the city were also affected, as taxi stands for Port-of-Spain, Curepe, Chaguanas, Gasparillo and Penal were blocked off. Many commuters had to use the water taxi service and public buses instead.