Guyana: Water Ambulance carrying 8 people burst into flames

Guyana: A river ambulance sailing south in the Corentyne River, heading towards Orealla Village, was caught up in a massive fire on Monday evening, resulting in occupants being severely injured. According to the reports, several individuals sustained burn injuries after the river ambulance they were travelling inside burst into flames. It is being said that a total of eight persons were inside the vessel when the tragedy took place. The police officials have revealed that all the occupants were residents of Orealla Village Corentyne River.

Following the incident, the river ambulance captain, Roderick Herman, said that around 7 om on Monday, he was sailing south in the Corentyne River and as the ambulance reached around Francis Wharf, he saw sparks at the water pump area, which is to the stern of the water taxi (close to the gas tank).

Herman added that shortly after the sparks, a massive fire started and he raised an alarm immediately to inform the occupants. It was also reported that all of them jumped into the river, as the fire spread to the entire water taxi, which them submerged into the water.

The passengers who jumped into the water were rescued by people who were passing in a boat and were immediately taken to the Skeldon Public Hospital where they received treatment for their injuries.

He also said that several people sustained injuries because of the fire, and Gavin himself received injuries to his right side chest, face as well as hands.

Meanwhile, Pamela Chacon, 69, a pensioner, received a wound to her left foot, Ganesh Shivmangal, 45, a mason, received a wound to his left foot, Berto Jabar, 26, a laborer received a wound to his right toes and Brentnal Herman, 24, a ten-day worker received a wound to his right foot.

All others were treated and sent away, while the captain was transferred to New Amsterdam Public Hospital, where he is presently receiving further treatment for serious burn injuries of the second degree.