Guyana Police (GPF) is investigating the circumstances of the explosion and subsequent destruction of two fuel trucks that occurred around 10:00 hours today at Parika Salem First Koker, East Bank Essequibo (EBE).
Both vehicles were owned by 39-year-old Nazhir Khan, a businessman from Tuschen New Plan, EBE.
The two trucks, driven by 38-year-old Ramsharran Dean of Stewartville, West Coast Demerara and 40-year-old Zahir Villa of Tuschen, were parked in Parika, leaking fuel.
The 38-year-old driver said he had left the vehicle and had gone about 25 feet away and when he returned, he saw smoke coming from behind his cabin. Shortly after, the vehicle burst into flames.
The fire, he said, quickly spread to the other vehicle.
The other driver, in an attempt to save one of the trucks, jumped in the cab and tried to turn off the engine.
During the process, he sustained burn injuries to his hand; he was rushed to Leonora Cottage Hospital by public-spirited citizens.
The fire was subsequently extinguished by firefighters.