Two missing, over 10 buildings, including hotels, destroyed in massive Puruni Landing blaze

The aftermath of the fire at Puruni Landing in the Mazaruni River, Region Seven

A devastating fire has razed 15 buildings at Puruni Landing in the Mazaruni River, Region Seven, leaving significant destruction in its wake.

Among the buildings destroyed were hotels, a nightclub, a restaurant, and a fuel bond.

The fire, which began at approximately 10:40h, engulfed multiple properties owned by Yvette McDonald, Floyd Elcock, Otis McKenzie, and boat captain Williams Cozier.

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) said that the blaze originated while fuel was sold at McDonald’s establishment - Miners Choice, and quickly spread to the surrounding structures.

McDonald, a businesswoman from Enmore, East Coast Demerara (ECD), owned nine of the destroyed buildings, including three hotels, a restaurant, workers’ living quarters, a fuel bond, and a nightclub.

Her businesses also wholesaled and retailed gasoline and diesel. Elcock, a businessman from Georgetown, owned four buildings, including a grocery store, hotel, and restaurant, which also sold fuel in bulk.

McKenzie operated a drug store, while Cozier’s building was a residence. Preliminary reports indicate that the fire started after fuel spilled during a transaction and ignited, rapidly consuming the Miners Choice compound and nearby properties.

While several rooms in the hotel were occupied at the time, it remains unclear whether all occupants managed to escape safely.

Authorities suspect that two individuals may have perished in the blaze, but confirmation is pending due to the severity of the damage.

Region Seven Commander, Senior Superintendent Dion Moore, along with other police officials, visited the scene at approximately 14:30h to assess the damage and begin an investigation.

Public-spirited citizens used a dredge engine from the nearby Puruni River to help contain the fire.

The total damage is yet to be fully assessed, but it is reported that none of the affected buildings were insured.

Additionally, a police ATV used by ranks stationed at Puruni Landing was also destroyed in the fire.