A week after fire destroyed two hearses and the exterior of the Merriman’s Funeral Home, the business remains in operation though the company has yet to start repairs and no leads have been unearthed in the suspected arson attempt.
When Stabroek News visited the funeral home on Monday, an official who asked to be identified only as the company secretary, said the Funeral Home is still dealing with the insurance company, the police and the fire service, who are still investigating.
According to the official, the fire service said that an accelerant—a substance or mixture that aids the spread of fire to commit arson—was used to commit the act but there is no evidence of who may have been responsible.
The funeral home was set on fire during the wee hours of the morning of May 24 by a suspected arsonist. Quick response from the fire service prevented the building from becoming engulfed but it has also left the staff to operate with one hearse.
The official said the company has been managing to carry out its day to day operations with one hearse and other funeral homes have been assisting by providing more hearses when needed. She also said that though no plans have yet been made to rebuild the chapel, viewing for funerals is being done in the passageway of the building.
