The Guyana Fire Service today said that a wildfire yesterday claimed the life of 93-year-old Alexander Josephine, a member of the Parakies Village community in the North West District.
Based on preliminary investigations outlined in a police report, a wildfire occurred on an open farmland area adjacent to Parakies Main Road, amidst dense vegetation, as the scene revealed significant burn damage and ash residue on the ground.
It was determined that Josephine had left his residence at approximately 9 am on the day of the incident to attend to his farm. Tragically, around 1 pm, family members received distressing news via cellular phone that Josephine had sustained severe burns while on his farm and had succumbed to his injuries. Authorities were immediately alerted, and the Acquero Police Station was notified of the situation.
Upon arrival at the scene, emergency responders found Josephine lying motionless on his back with burns covering his body. He was promptly transported to the Kumaka District Hospital, where medical professionals pronounced him dead. The body has been placed in the hospital mortuary pending a post-mortem examination.