An excavator valued at several hundred thousand Eastern Caribbean dollars has been destroyed by fire in John Hughes, prompting a police investigation and the questioning of an environmental activist.

The heavy-duty equipment was reportedly set ablaze between the night of Jan. 28 and the morning of Jan. 29 after workers left it at a construction site. It was found severely damaged the next day and deemed beyond repair. The company said it believes the fire was deliberately set, citing significant financial loss.

As part of ongoing inquiries, police interviewed Martin Dudley at the All Saints Police Station on Monday. Dudley, who has publicly raised concerns about excavation activity in the area, denied any involvement.

“I did not destroy the excavator. I know nothing about this machine other than it is working in an area I have been monitoring for over two years,” he said.

No arrests have been made, and investigators say the cause of the fire has not yet been determined. Police are appealing for information.