The water ambulance which operates the Orealla/Siparuta route yesterday afternoon caught fire while returning to the area resulting in the captain and eight occupants having to jump overboard to safety.
Roderick Herman, 34, a captain employed by the Ministry of Health and from Orealla Village reported that just around 5 pm, he was captaining the Orealla Water Ambulance with eight passengers: Gavin France, 41, a porter; Pamela Chacon, 69, a pensioner; Ganesh Shivmangal, 45, a mason; Charles Chacon, 71, a pensioner; Sabrina Pablo, 29, a part-time worker; Berto Jabar, 26, a labourer; Brentnal Herman, 24, a part time worker all of Orealla Village; and Borlin Morris, 32, a midwife, of Siparuta at the time of the incident.
According to information gathered, the ambulance was sailing south in the Corentyne River heading towards Orealla Village in the vicinity of Francis Wharf, when the captain noticed sparks emanating from the water pump area which is located at the stern of the water taxi – close to the gas tank.
In a matter of seconds, a big fire erupted which resulted in the captain sounding an alarm to the occupants who then jumped into the river as the fire quickly spread throughout the ambulance which was eventually submerged in the river.
Police sources yesterday said that the captain of the ambulance and its occupants were rescued by persons who were passing in a boat and taken to the Skeldon Public Hospital.
France reportedly suffered burn injuries to the right side of his chest, hand, and face, Pamela Chacon sustained a wound to her left foot, Shivmangal is nursing a wound to his left foot, Jabar was wounded to his foot and right toes, and Brentnal Herman injured his right foot.
All of the injured persons were treated and released except for France who has since been transferred to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital.
As of last evening his condition was listed as stable. The Guyana Fire Service and the Police have launched an investigation.
Regional Vice Chairman, Zamal Hussain and Regional Executive Officer, Narendra Persaud after learning of the incident yesterday afternoon immediately ventured to the Skeldon Public Hospital where they visited the injured persons and their relatives.
