A processing plant and adjoining house at Agriculture Road, Triumph East Coast Demerara (ECD) was on Friday destroyed by fire, leaving millions of dollars in losses.
The property completely engulfed in flames
Reports are that the fire started at about 13:00h at the Lot 26 Agriculture Road, ECD property – which houses the M and E Processing Enterprise.
Rajendra Deonarine, who is an employee of the business and one of four occupants in the building, recalled working downstairs when he was alerted of the fire. One explosion later, the entire upper flat was in flames.
“We were downstairs working. I was at the back and my boss called me and said something went off upstairs. By the time I run outside, I see the front room catch afire, which is from the main fuse and then it spread to the whole house in a couple seconds,” he recollected.
He said nothing could have been done to salvage the wooden and concrete building, given the rapid progression of the fire.
“I can’t blame the fire service because I know it took time and it start off in a couple of seconds. There was nothing that could be done. It’s a good thing nobody was upstairs.”
Guyana Times understands that the owner operated a processing and manufacturing facility from the property, producing vinegar, essence, cassareep among other products. All of those items were destroyed along with millions of dollars’ worth in articles. Acids, tanks, plastics for their operation were also lost.
“We had phone, money left upstairs. My boss had some money too. Everything gone,” Deonarine shared.
At the scene, firefighters managed to contain the fire, which had already ripped through the top flat. Only the bottom section remained intact with extensive damages.
Initial reports suggest that the fire was electrical in nature. The Guyana Fire Service is still continuing its investigation in to the inferno.
