

Two fuel tankers burst into flames near Salem’s first kicker in Parika, East Bank Essequibo (EBE), Tuesday morning – leaving one of the drivers seriously injured and firefighters battling the flames for two hours.

Based on information received, the incident occurred just after 10:00h. It is reported that at around 09:00h, both trucks were parked near the koker to drop fuel. One of the drivers, Ramsharan Dean, reported leaving the vehicle some 25 feet away and upon returning, saw the smoke wrap around the cabin area. He connected that the cabin area almost immediately exploded into a massive fire and spread to the other truck.
By then, the driver of the second truck, Zahir Villa, attempted to move the other truck to prevent it from burning. As he tried to switch off the engine, Villa sustained injuries to his hand. He was rushed to Leonora Cottage Hospital and examined by on-duty doctors.
Eyewitnesses told Guyana Times that flames suddenly burst, which could not be contained as thick smoke surrounded the entire area, causing people to rush for safety. Others looked from afar as the tragic event unfolded.
