Miner set ablaze by drinking buddy after being doused with high wine

James Thomas, a 44-year-old miner, is nursing second-degree burns after he was doused with alcohol and set ablaze by his drinking buddy at Imbaimadai Landing, Upper Mazaruni River, on Monday.

According to the Guyana Police Force (GPF), Thomas and the 53-year-old suspect, who also resides at Imbaimadai Landing, were drinking alcohol when a dispute broke out.

The two men, who were familiar with each other, were reportedly consuming alcohol when Thomas took hold of the suspect’s quarter bottle of high wine. Despite the suspect’s demands to return the bottle, Thomas refused.

In a fit of rage, the suspect reportedly grabbed the bottle back, doused Thomas with the high wine, and set him ablaze.

The flames quickly engulfed Thomas, who is also known as ‘wormie,’ causing severe burns across his body.

Thomas was initially taken to the Imbaimadai Health Post for treatment but was later transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital due to the severity of his injuries.

The 53-year-old suspect has been arrested and is in police custody as the investigation into the incident continues.