The Guyana Power and Light Company (GPL) is expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the injuries sustained by three-year old Gerald Durant, who was struck in his head by a falling utility pole on Saturday at Liverpool, Corentyne.
The boy, whose condition is improving, was struck by the pole, which broke at its stem on Saturday morning. While attempts by this newspaper to reach GPL CEO Bharat Dindyal yesterday were futile, an official at the power company noted that the case is engaging the attention of the entity. It was noted that a thorough investigation will be undertaken into the incident.
The boy’s father, Orlando Durant told Stabroek News yesterday that his son’s condition has been improving over the past several days. He said that yesterday his son was “still fighting it“ and he remained hopeful that he would fully recover from the incident and soon return to their Liverpool, Corentyne home.
Previously, he had recounted that his son was sent by his mother to turn off a tap at the stand pipe in the family’s Lot, 23 Liverpool village yard around 10 am on Saturday morning, when the incident occurred. His wife, who was standing and looking at him in the yard, was speechless when she saw the pole falling on the child. The child was subsequently picked up in an unconscious state and rushed to the Port Mourant Hospital and later the New Amsterdam Hospital. Given the severity of his injuries, he was subsequently transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he remains a patient.
Durant had explained that several years ago, his family requested that the power company plant an electrical pole on the roadway in proximity to his home in order for power to be supplied to the house. He said that the GPL “disagreed” with his idea and instead advised that the pole be planted in his yard and this was subsequently done.
