Millions lost in mystery fire, Corentyne businessman says

The burnt remains of the property that once housed K Persaud General Store and Auto Sales at Clifton Village, Corentyne
The burnt remains of the property that once housed K Persaud General Store and Auto Sales at Clifton Village, Corentyne

A Clifton, Corentyne businessman says he is now counting over $80 million in losses after a fire of unknown origin destroyed his home and business during the wee hours of Friday morning.

Krishna Persaud, 50, owner of K Persaud General Store and Auto Sales, located at Lot 3 Clifton Village, Corentyne, Berbice, told this newspaper that he was at his second home, located about one mile away, when he was informed around 1.30 am that his building in Clifton was on fire.

Persaud said he subsequently rushed to the property and he discovered the entire building already engulfed in flames.

He explained that after seeing the fire, his wife immediately collapsed and he then had to rush her to the hospital, where she was admitted for observation. “When we came, she fall down and me take she to the hospital and a lot of people was here but I left them,” he recounted.

Before Persaud arrived at the scene, his neighbours had already started moving items from his yard.

The Guyana Fire Service has since launched an investigation.

Meanwhile, according to information gathered, a small fire occurred  at Persaud’s business last Wednesday afternoon, while mechanics were working on a car. The vehicle reportedly exploded on a ramp but the fire service responded and put out the small fire.