Firefighter dies from injuries sustained in Mae’s School blaze

– family claims medical negligence

Twenty-seven-year-old firefighter Voshaun Manbodh, has died days after sustaining severe injuries while battling the now fatal fire that destroyed Mae’s School in Subryanville last Wednesday.

Manbodh was among four firefighters injured when portions of the building collapsed as they worked to contain the inferno. He was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) with two fractured vertebrae in his neck, impaired motor function, and an ear impediment.
Initially, he showed signs of recovery, speaking coherently and taking phone calls. However, his condition deteriorated rapidly in the following days, and he succumbed to his injuries just before midnight on Saturday.
Following his death, Manbodh’s grieving family has come forward with serious allegations of medical negligence, claiming that delayed interventions, poor monitoring, and critical lapses in hospital protocols, contributed to his decline.
“It is with deep sorrow and concern that we announce the untimely passing of Fireman Voshaun Manbodh, a member of the Guyana Fire Service (GFS), who succumbed to his injuries while under medical care,” the family stated.
They detailed in a statement, the timeline of his hospitalisation, asserting that after his initial MRI scan returned clean results, he was able to communicate normally. However, his condition began to worsen instead of improve, which they attribute to inadequate medical care.

“Despite requiring urgent neurological evaluation, his MRI scan was painstakingly delayed; initially scheduled for 1:30 PM at St Joseph Mercy Hospital but postponed due to poor preparation by hospital staff. When they [GPHC] finally attempted to take him for the scan after 2PM, there was a last-minute failure to properly sedate him, leading to further delays and distress,” the family said.
Even more troubling, they allege that hospital staff failed to properly restrain him during treatment, using only “two pieces of string tied to his hands,” while his legs were loosely secured with bandages.
“The stretcher they used to transport him had no restraints, making it even more difficult to ensure his safety during movement,” they claimed.
Adding to their distress, the family also claimed that they were not informed by medical staff that Manbodh had fallen from his hospital bed. Instead, they learned of the incident from another patient.
“While under hospital care, Mr Manbodh suffered a fall from his hospital bed, an incident that was not disclosed to his family by medical staff. Instead, a fellow patient informed his mother,” the family stated.
They further alleged that, despite his critical condition, Manbodh’s IV fluids were removed, leaving him without necessary hydration and medication. His urinary catheter was also taken out for no apparent reason.
“His mother repeatedly expressed concerns about his lack of proper restraint, hydration, and medical oversight, yet her concerns were either ignored or inadequately addressed,” the statement continued.
The family believes there is a direct link between his fall and his rapid deterioration, a connection they say GPHC hospital officials failed to acknowledge.
“We wish to underscore that there is a clear and alarming correlation between the unreported fall Mr Manbodh suffered on Friday night and the rapid deterioration that followed, further exposing the gross neglect in his care,” the family said.
Demanding accountability, they declared, “His untimely and preventable death raises grave concerns about the standard of medical care, hospital protocols, and emergency response procedures for injured service members.

Those responsible for his inadequate care must be held accountable, and urgent reforms must be implemented to ensure that no other firefighter, emergency responder, or citizen suffers a similar fate.”
GPHC issues statement
In response to these allegations, GPHC issued an official statement on Sunday, expressing condolences, and announcing an immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding Manbodh’s treatment.
“The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation extends its deepest condolences to the family, colleagues, and the nation on the passing of the heroic firefighter who sustained injuries in the line of duty and was receiving medical care at our institution. We honour the immense sacrifices made by our nation’s servicemen and women and stand in solidarity with those mourning this tragic loss,” the statement read.
GPHC refrained from commenting on the specific allegations, stating, “At this time, we will not speculate on the circumstances surrounding his passing. However, we assure the public that GPHC remains steadfast in its commitment to the highest standards of medical care.”
The hospital confirmed that a formal investigation had been launched.
“In response to concerns surrounding this case, GPHC has launched an immediate investigation, led by a panel chaired by a senior clinician from outside the institution. This panel comprises both external and internal medical specialists to ensure a thorough and objective review. We remain committed to transparency and will provide updates as the investigation progresses,” the hospital stated.
The institution emphasised its history of successfully treating emergency responders, adding, “Our institution has a strong track record of successfully treating and discharging servicemen and women injured while carrying out their duties”.
Meanwhile, Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn extended condolences to Manbodh’s family, acknowledging his bravery and dedication to public service.
“Fireman Manbodh displayed bravery and selflessness while battling the devastating fire which engulfed Mae’s Schools in Subryanville. Having joined the Guyana Fire Service on February 5, 2023, Fireman Manbodh proved himself to be a dedicated and courageous firefighter,” Benn stated.
He confirmed that Manbodh had suffered fractures to his neck when parts of the school’s roof and walls collapsed.
The Minister also recognised the injuries sustained by three other firefighters, Sub-Officer Ian Burnette, Sub-Officer Dwayne Waldron, and Fireman Jouner Morrison, who were successfully treated and discharged.
“The loss of Fireman Manbodh serves as a solemn reminder of the dangers faced by our firefighters daily. Their bravery and commitment to protecting lives and property are unparalleled, and as a nation, we owe them a debt of gratitude,” Benn said.
He assured that the Ministry of Home Affairs and the GFS would provide full support to Manbodh’s grieving family.
Chief Fire Officer Gregory Wickham also expressed sorrow over Manbodh’s passing, calling it a tragic loss for the fire service and the country.
“With profound sadness and a heavy heart, we extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Fireman 1871 Voshaun Manbodh, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty,” Wickham said.
He described Manbodh as a firefighter who embodied the highest principles of courage and service.
“Fireman Manbodh served with honour, bravery, and commitment, embodying the true spirit of a firefighter—one who risks everything to protect the lives and safety of others. His courage and selflessness will forever be etched in the history of the Guyana Fire Service,” he added.
As a mark of respect, all service flags will be flown at half-mast.
The devastating fire that ultimately claimed Manbodh’s life broke out at Mae’s School just before 8:00h on March 5, sending thick plumes of smoke into the sky and triggering mass panic.
Divisional Fire Officer Andrew Holder, who led the response, said the situation quickly became critical.
“As I got closer, I saw the magnitude we were dealing with. I requested firefighting appliances from the outskirts of Georgetown, and that’s why we have all these firefighting units here today,” Holder explained at the time.
Despite its aggressive response, the school was reduced to ashes, and more than 1,000 students were displaced.
An investigation is still underway to determine the cause of the blaze, but early reports indicate that the school had longstanding electrical issues.