Bartica’s oldest resident, 100-year-old Lucille Vanderhyden Moseley, is now dead after a fire of unknown origin gutted her home around midnight on Monday.
Stabroek News understands that the fire, which occurred sometime between 12 am on Monday and 12.30 am yesterday, destroyed the Lot 84 First Avenue, Bartica house in a matter of minutes.
The charred remains of Moseley, popularly known as “Aunty Lou,” were later discovered on the floor of the house.
It is suspected that Moseley, who lived alone, was trapped.
Reports reaching this newspaper revealed that around 6 pm on Monday, Moseley’s caretaker visited her, prepared dinner and then left. Around midnight, her grandson, who lives in a separate house situated on the property, was awakened by a scream from his aunt, who noticed Moseley’s house was on fire.
He reportedly attempted to gain access into the house in an effort to save Moseley but was unable to do so since both doors were locked from inside.
The Guyana Fire Service was summoned and quickly extinguished the fire.
An investigation has since been launched to determine the cause of the fire.The death of Moseley has shaken residents of the town.
