Fatal Early Morning Fire in Corentyne, Berbice: Police Conduct Thorough Investigation into Tragic Incident

GEORGETOWN – Police say they are conducting a “thorough investigation” into an early morning fire on Tuesday that has claimed the lives of five family members in Corentyne, Berbice.

“The Guyana Fire Service, in collaboration with the Guyana Police Force, is conducting a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the fire. Authorities are committed to uncovering the circumstances surrounding this tragedy,” according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

It expressed its “deep sorrow” at the “tragic loss of five lives” in the devastating fire that claimed the lives of a mother, her daughter and three sons.

The statement did not provide any further details about those killed but media reports have identified them as Hemwatie Singh, a 34-year-old housewife, Kelvin Ramjatan, 14; Brandon Ramjatan, 10; Cindy Ramjatan, 11 and two-year-old Tomesh Ramjatan.

The reports said that the 17-year-old son managed to escape. The police said that the 17-year-old, Kevin Ramjatan, recounted that he was awakened by the flames emanating from the lower flat of the building, where his father, Rohan Ramjatan, parked his car.

The teenager said he immediately ran down the stairs to the lower flat using the inner staircase. He opened the lower flat door of the house where his mother and siblings were all awake and attempting to escape.

“They tried to run out of the house but as they saw the large flames of fire in front of the house, they turned back and went upstairs and were trapped in the fire, the police said.

The five burnt bodies were later found.

Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn, Chief Fire Officer Gregory Wickham, say they are profoundly saddened by the tragic loss of life and have extended their heartfelt condolences to the family and friends affected by this devastating event. (CMC)