An elderly couple are left counting their losses after a fire suspected to be of electrical origin completely destroyed their two storey wooden home on Friday morning.
The owners of the lot 6 Company Park, Yarrowdam, West Ruimveldt, Georgetown home were identified as 65-year-old Herman Norton and his 63-year-old wife, Geeta Norton.
When INews arrived at the scene, the couple were too distraught to speak. However, according to reports received, the fire reportedly began at around 10:29hrs.
Norton’s children told the media that their parents had returned home from visiting the doctor and it was shortly after, that a thud was heard in the upper flat and the house quickly became engulfed in flames.
“They came home from the doctor. She [Geeta] went upstairs and when she come down, lil bit after, he [Herman] said he hear like something fall down and by time he run up, see the smoke, the place done ignite,” the couple’s son said.
However, sources attached to the Guyana Fire Service informed this media outfit that based on their investigations; it was revealed that no one was home at the time that the fire started.
Moreover, information has surfaced suggesting that the couple may have had an illegal electrical connection to their home.
This, sources say, may have been the reason for an upsurge in power, resulting in a kitchen appliance reportedly causing the fire.
Nevertheless, the Fire Service received praises from residents in the area who noted that their prompt response prevented other homes from being destroyed by the fire.
The Norton’s will seek refuge at their children’s homes until they are able to stand on their own again.
The couple have been living at the location for “all of their lives.”
Investigations are still ongoing. (Ramona Luthi)
