GEORGETOWN, Guyana — The Guyana Police Force (GPF) has launched a full-scale investigation into a deadly explosion that ripped through the Mobil Fuel Station at the corner of Regent and King Streets, Lacytown, Georgetown, on Sunday evening, killing a six-year-old girl and injuring four others.
The blast occurred around 7:36 p.m. on October 26, 2025, on the southwestern side of the compound, near a section used for storing dozens of bottled cooking gas cylinders. The explosion destroyed several vehicles, damaged nearby buildings, and sent shockwaves through the busy commercial district.
Preliminary police reports said a male of mixed ethnicity, believed to be a Spanish-speaking national, was seen at the station earlier that evening carrying two large black plastic garbage bags. He allegedly attempted to dispose of the bags in a garbage bin next to one of the fuel dispensers used to pump gasoline into vehicles, but was prevented from doing so after the bags failed to fit inside. The man then walked south along King Street toward the western side of the compound—moments before the blast.
At the time of the explosion, a silver Toyota Premio (PTT 8275) was in the compound with driver Jenica Hooper, 27; her mother, Yvonne Jonas, 71; her nieces, Soraya Bourne, 6, and Sedyia McIntosh, 12; and her nephew, Rishad Lorde, 7—all residents of Breeda Street, Werk-en-Rust.
They were rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), where young Soraya Bourne was pronounced dead on arrival. The other victims were treated for burns and other injuries and remain in stable condition.
Police said the explosion damaged four additional vehicles and caused minor structural damage to a nearby building. Investigators from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) recovered fragments of black plastic bags and adhesive tape believed to be linked to the device. These items have been sent for forensic analysis, and CCTV footage is being reviewed to assist in identifying the suspect.
Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken, along with the GPF’s Executive Leadership Team, extended condolences to the family of the deceased and expressed solidarity with those injured.
“The Guyana Police Force assures the public that every effort is being made to bring justice in this tragic matter,” the statement read.
President Orders Full-Scale Investigation
President Dr. Irfaan Ali, who is on official duty in Saudi Arabia, said he received continuous briefings on the tragedy late Sunday and early Monday. In a statement, the President condemned the incident and ordered a full-scale investigation, directing that “every available resource and investigative tool be utilized to determine the precise cause and circumstances of this incident.”
Ali confirmed that a person of interest has been identified and instructed that images of the suspect be widely circulated to enlist the public’s help. He said he has also asked the Ministry of Home Affairs and security agencies to coordinate closely with intelligence services to ensure all leads are pursued.
Minister of Home Affairs Oneidge Walrond convened a high-level security meeting early Monday with Chief of Defence Staff Brig. Omar Khan, Head of the National Intelligence and Security Agency Sheldon Howell, Commissioner Hicken, and Deputy Commissioners Errol Watts and Ravindranauth Budhram to review developments and tighten national security protocols.
The Guyana Fire Service, which was among the first responders, said its crews swiftly extinguished the blaze and conducted rescue and recovery operations. The area remains cordoned off as forensic and bomb-disposal teams continue their work.
Security sources told NewsHub that the explosion is being treated as a deliberate act, and investigators have not ruled out a terror-related motive.