A devastating fire broke out on Wednesday at approximately 10:40 hrs, destroying fifteen buildings in Puruni Landing, Region Seven.
This incident mirrors a similar fire that occurred in the same area just one year ago.
The latest blaze had completely engulfed properties owned by prominent local businessmen, including Yvette McDonald, Floyd Elcock, Otis McKenzie, and Williams Cozier. Altogether a total of 15 buildings were destroyed along with several vehicles.
McDonald’s establishment, ‘Miners Choice’, was particularly affected, consisting of three hotel buildings, a restaurant, and living quarters for workers.
Elcock also lost a grocery store and hotel, while McKenzie operated a drug store and Cozier’s building served as a residential building.
Aftermath of the massive fire at Puruni Landing (Photo: Erwin Ward/October 2024)
Preliminary investigations suggest that the fire began during a fuel sale at ‘Miners Choice’, where a spill ignited and quickly spread.
At the time, several rooms were occupied, and while it is feared that two individuals may have perished, this has yet to be confirmed due to the extent of the damage.
Local authorities, including Police Commander Senior Superintendent Dion Moore, visited the scene later in the afternoon.
Efforts to contain the fire were aided by community members who employed a dredge engine from the Puruni River.
The loss is significant, with none of the affected buildings reported to be insured.
The total cost of damages remains undetermined. Tragically, police ATV 3129, used by local officers, was also lost in the inferno.
An eyewitness told the News Room that two persons, a man and a woman were unaccounted for. He said there were unconfirmed reports that they were trapped in their room when the fire started.
“Several rooms at Miners Choice were reportedly occupied at the time of the fire. It is currently unknown whether all occupants were able to evacuate safely. It is suspected that two persons may have perished, but this cannot be confirmed due to the extent of the rubble and debris,” Police reported.
This incident comes just a year after a similar fire in Puruni Landing that caused extensive damage to a Chinese supermarket and adjacent structures.
In that case, the fire was traced to a generator room, prompting an immediate response from the police and fire prevention officers to manage the situation.
The post UPDATE: Fire destroys 15 buildings at Puruni Landing, one year after similar incident appeared first on News Room Guyana.
