-Mahaica man burnt

A 36-year-old Mahaica resident suffered second-degree burns to his legs after his antique car burst into flames on the public road at Strathspey, East Coast Demerara yesterday.

Michael Madramootoo’s car reportedly caught afire after colliding with another vehicle while going around a turn at Strathspey.

Madramootoo of Hand-en-Veldt could be heard groaning in pain from the waiting room yesterday afternoon at the St Joseph Mercy Hospital where relatives and friends had gathered upon hearing the news.

Some relatives and members of Madramootoo’s church told Stabroek News that when they passed the scene of the accident some 45 minutes after it had occurred, the car was still on fire.

One relative related that according to information he received, the car on colliding with the other vehicle, turned over. It then ignited and Madramootoo had to fight his way out through the windshield at the back of the car to get out.

He was transported to the city by a minibus and his wife — who he was going to pick up from work — met him at the hospital.

The relative also told Stabroek News that the car was an antique one, with its gas tank at the front, which could have contributed to it catching afire upon impact with the other vehicle.