One person injured after New Amsterdam fire

A 20-year-old man was injured on Tuesday afternoon after a fire, likely caused by a gas bottle explosion, ripped through a house in New Amsterdam, Berbice.

The house belongs to Ishmael King, 48, who operates as a roadside vendor in New Amsterdam. It is a three-bedroom wooden and concrete structure; King lived there with his two sons, aged 20 and 16.

King told the News Room that around 14:00 hrs he received a distressing phone call. He rushed home to find his house engulfed in flames. Upon further investigation, his 20-year-old son informed him that he had been cooking, and it appeared as though the gas bottle had exploded, igniting a fire that quickly spread throughout their home. At the time of the incident, his 16-year-old son was not present.

King stated that his son sustained injuries to his feet, hands, and back. The young man is currently at the New Amsterdam Public Hospital receiving care for his burns.

“I thank God that he is still alive; I know these things do happen. I give thanks that I am even alive,” the man said.

He noted that the fire destroyed all their possessions, including important documents. He also mentioned that he lost $250,000 in cash savings in the fire. He estimated his losses to be in the millions.

“My next move is to do what I know best: give God praise, and continue selling my greens. I don’t know where the money will come from, but I believe in faith,” King told the News Room.