A 42-year-old man was burnt to death when a fire of unknown origin destroyed his Corentyne home early yesterday morning.
Dead is Humadat Phurkokatam of Number 78 Village.
According to a police press release, investigations are being conducted into a fire of so far unknown origin that occurred at about 01:00 hrs which resulted in the death of Phurkokatam.
Investigations revealed that neighbours observed fire coming from the building occupied by Phurkokatam, who lived alone, and raised an alarm. Fire Service personnel from Corriverton responded and extinguished the blaze. The charred remains of the victim were then found, the release said.
Meanwhile Stabroek News was unable to contact any of the dead man’s relatives.
According to reports received, when the fire tenders arrived, the fire had already engulfed the house and at the time persons were unaware that Phurkokatam was in the house. It was only after fire fighters entered the burnt out structure that a foot was spotted.
After the water from the sawmill was exhausted, fire fighters sourced water from a reservoir belonging to the Shell gas station which had a capacity hold of 500 gallons of water.
As a result, two nearby buildings were saved from certain destruction.
Ganesh Gagadinh, who owns the gas station, is an executive member of the Upper Corentyne Chamber of Commerce (UCCC). Other members also assisted in controlling the blaze.
Sathie Ramnauth, the secretary of the UCCC who lives next door to the burnt house was very shaken as her house was under threat. She was grateful that fire fighters were able to contain the blaze.
Reports are that Phurkokatam who worked at a sawmill was intoxicated and may have fallen asleep with a lit cigarette in his hand.
