Mobil Service Station deadly explosion: President Ali orders full-scale probe into suspected terror attack

– Police arrest 3, Spanish-speaking suspect wanted

– 4 victims remain hospitalized; Private Sector calls for heightened state of security, vigilance

In light of a suspected terrorist attack at a Mobil Service Station in Georgetown on Sunday evening, which has claimed the life of a six-year-old girl, President Dr Irfaan Ali has instructed that a full-scale investigation be launched using every available resource to determine the precise cause and circumstances of the deadly explosion. The President, who is presently in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the 9th Edition of the Future Investment Initiative (FII9), on Monday stated that he received comprehensive briefings regarding the circumstances surrounding the explosion, which has left Soraya Bourne dead and critically injured several others. “I was also briefed on the identification of an individual of interest, and I have instructed that images of this person be circulated widely so that the public may assist the Guyana Police Force (GPF) by sharing any information that could aid the investigation,” the Head of State noted.

He, however, extended his condolences to those affected and their families, adding, “I have spoken directly with the medical teams attending to the injured and have instructed that every form of support and care be provided to those under treatment.” The GPF stated that the explosion occurred at the Mobil Service Station, Regent and King Streets, Lacytown, Georgetown, at about 19:36h and is working on the theory that the incident might be premeditated, as CCTV footage in the area captured a male suspect of mixed ethnicity and speaking Spanish attempting to dispose of two black garbage bags in a bin.

Nevertheless, he was prevented from doing so by an attendant; instead, he walked toward the western side of the fuel station, soon after which a loud explosion was heard coming from the section where bottled cooking gas was stored. The blast caused extensive damage to the building, several parked vehicles, and nearby properties. A motorcar bearing registration number PTT 8275, driven by a 27-year-old school teacher, Jenica Hooper, was in the compound. At the time, the teacher’s mother, Yvonne Jonas, 71, along with her nieces and nephew, Soraya Bourne, 6; Seddia McIntosh, 12; and Reshard Lord, 7, were in the vehicle. They were all rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), where Bourne was pronounced dead. The other victims were treated for injuries and remain in stable condition.

Conditions of Victims
On this note, the GPHC confirmed that eight patients were received at the hospital’s Accident and Emergency Department following the explosion.
The medical facility, in a release on Monday, stated that upon arrival, all patients were promptly triaged, assessed, resuscitated, and stabilised. Of the eight patients, three were diagnosed with minor injuries and subsequently discharged after evaluation, while four were admitted-two in the paediatric ward suffering from significant injuries and two adult females who are in the medical ward and are being treated for soft tissue injuries to the face, head, neck and thigh, with one suffering a fracture to the leg. “The two paediatric patients with serious injuries underwent emergency surgical procedures and are currently in the recovery room under close observation. Both patients are critical but stable,” the hospital added. The hospital further stated that as part of the hospital’s standard trauma protocol, for injuries that could result in latent internal injuries, CT scans were performed on all patients to guide further management.
“The hospital’s Social Work Unit and Psychiatry Department are currently prepared to offer psychological counseling to the patients and their relatives affected by this incident.”
In addition, on Monday, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony, along with the Director of Medical & Professional Services, Dr Navindranauth Rambaran and members of the senior nursing leadership team, visited the patients to assess their progress and extend support to their families. The GPHC states that its medical team continues to provide the highest standard of care to all affected patients and that psychosocial support services remain active for the families and survivors.

Ongoing Investigations/ Wanted Bulletin
Following the explosion, members of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) processed the scene and collected several items of evidential value, including fragments of black plastic bags and adhesive tape, which have been sent for forensic analysis. Detectives also found a hole at the location, which is believed to have been caused by a bomb that detonated. As such, a team from the Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory, which includes Indian forensic scientists specialising in fire and explosive scene investigations, is lending support to the ongoing probe.
Following their assessment, the team will advise on any additional resources or measures required to expedite the investigative process.
Nevertheless, the GPF has issued a wanted bulletin for the alleged suspect who was captured on CCTV footage disposing of the black garbage bags. In addition, Roberto Fuentes, the alleged owner of motor car, PSS 7874, who was wanted is now in Police custody.
The police later Monday evening reported that three persons including a male Venezuelan national, have been taken into custody and are being interrogated in connection with the deadly bombing.
Police stated that after reviewing the CCTV footage, investigators conducted a coordinated operation that led to the interception of a silver motor car, PSS 7874 which was used to transport one of the suspects.
The vehicle was subsequently located and the three mentioned individuals were arrested and are in custody.
Further information obtained from these arrests has provided key leads to investigators. The principal suspect, who remains at large, is being actively sought as the investigation continues.
“Investigators continue to assess the scene of the explosion. Damage was observed to the Mobil minimart, storage bond, and four fuel pumps, as well as to several nearby buildings – including the KFC outlet, adjoining commercial establishments and portions of the High Court – consistent with shockwave impact from the blast,” the GPF stated.

Heightened state of security
Meanwhile, both the Private Sector Commission (PSC) and the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) support the stance taken by President Ali’s call for a large-scale investigation. The PSC urges all businesses and every citizen to be alert to the seriousness of this matter and to maintain a maximum and heightened state of security and vigilance. “This tragedy underscores the urgent need for stronger safety and security practices across the country to protect lives and property, and we continue to work with and support our national authorities in upholding these standards,” the Commission stated.
The GCCI expressed a similar sentiment, adding that the incident has highlighted the importance of vigilance concerning domestic security and the wellbeing of citizens. “The Chamber urges law enforcement to ensure that a thorough investigation is conducted, that the perpetrator is brought to justice, and that a recurrence is prevented. Public security must be preserved and protected, and the GCCI urges the public to report any suspicious activity to the relevant authorities.” Both organisations extend condolences to the grieving family and loved ones of Soraya Browne and wish a speedy recovery to those who were injured in the explosion.