GEORGETOWN, Guyana — President Irfaan Ali has ordered a full-scale investigation into Sunday evening’s explosion at the Mobil Service Station at the corner of Regent and King Streets, Georgetown, which claimed the life of a six-year-old girl and left two other children critically injured.
In an official statement from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he is on official duty, President Ali said he received “comprehensive briefings late last night and early this morning” on the circumstances surrounding the tragedy that resulted in the death of Saraya Bourne, and critical injuries to 11-year-old Sedyia McIntosh and 8-year-old Rishad Lord, as well as injuries to Jennifer Cooper and Yvonne Jones.
“I have directed that a full-scale investigation be launched immediately, and that every available resource and investigative tool be utilized to determine the precise cause and circumstances of this incident,” the President said.
He added that an individual of interest has been identified in connection with the explosion, and has instructed that images of this person be circulated widely to allow the public to assist the Guyana Police Force in the ongoing investigation.
President Ali also confirmed that Minister of Home Affairs Oneidge Walrond visited and expressed condolences to the mother of the deceased child on Sunday night, while Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony continues to monitor the condition of the injured at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).
“I extend my deepest sympathies to those affected and their families,” President Ali said. “I have spoken directly with the medical teams attending to the injured and have instructed that every form of support and care be provided to those under treatment.”
According to a statement from the Guyana Fire Service (GFS), firefighters responded promptly to the explosion, which caused extensive damage to the facility. One vehicle was completely destroyed, a black Fielder wagon suffered a shattered windshield, and the airbag of a nearby black SUV was deployed.
Firefighters carried out firefighting, rescue, and recovery operations, and the area was cordoned off to ensure public safety and facilitate the investigation.