An early morning fire on Monday has completely destroyed an apartment complex and severely damaged the neighbouring houses in Shell Road, Kitty, Georgetown.
A crowd watches in dismay as firemen battle to douse the blaze
Thirty persons are now homeless.
The fire reportedly started about 09:45h in the top flat of the apartment complex located at Lot 44B Shell Road.
At the time of the blaze, tenants were occupying the premises along with the wife of the owner of the complex. When Guyana Times visited the scene, the tenants were distraught.
One tenant recalled that she saw huge flames emanating from the top flat of the building. “When I came outside I smelt smoke, I could only grab my [cell] phone and passport. I had a fully furnished house.”
She noted that within minutes the entire building was engulfed in flames.
The now homeless woman added that neighbours assisted the firefighters who arrived promptly, but were unsuccessful in containing the blaze as the fire quickly spread
Persaud, who owns the building next door, stated that the fire had spread to her property causing extensive damage to the tune of some $10 million. However, firemen were able to save her building, which is insured.
An investigation into the matter has commenced.
