East Ruimveldt resident critical following alleged gas explosion

A 56-year-old man of Pineapple Street and Front Road, East Ruimveldt, Georgetown is critical at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) after a gas cylinder allegedly exploded on Sunday morning.

According to a police report, at about 02:32h, the man, a realtor whose name was given as Alleyne and his family were at home when his wife woke up and noticed the smell of what appeared to be gas. She alerted him and he went into the yard to make checks on the premises, where a 100-pound gas cylinder was installed.

About two minutes later, a loud explosion was heard, followed by screams.

Police said the eastern side of the building reportedly collapsed and caught fire. Public-spirited citizens responded and assisted the family, after which the injured man was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, where he was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit.

The Guyana Fire Service responded to the scene and extinguished the blaze. The scene was later processed by ranks and CCTV cameras in the area were observed and are to be viewed as part of the investigation.

Investigations are ongoing.