Cause of fire at police commander’s home still to be determined
Investigators are yet to determine the cause of last Saturday’s fire, which destroyed the home and three vehicles belonging to acting Commander of ‘G’ Division (Essequibo Coast and Islands) Superintendent Crystal Robinson Stewartville, West Coast Demerara (WCD).
This is according to Fire Chief Marlon Gentle, who when contacted for an update yesterday told Stabroek News that investigators are working with the Government Electrical Inspectorate Division to determine whether electricity was involved in the fire.
Stabroek News had previously reported that the fire, which started around 12.30 am, gutted the two-storey wooden and concrete building within minutes. Nothing was saved.
The house, located at Lot 154 Back Street Stewartville, had been occupied by Robinson, her two daughters, her seven-yearold granddaughter, and a family friend.
However, only the family friend was at home when the fire started as one of Robinson’s daughters and her granddaughter are overseas, while Robinson and the other daughter were attending the Guyana Police Force’s ‘Queen of Queens’ beauty pageant last Friday night.
The family friend was sleeping in the upper flat of the house and managed to safely escape after being alerted by neighbours.
The fire is suspected to have started in the garage, where the three vehicles–a Toyota Rav 4, Toyota Vios, and a Toyota Avensis–were parked. Two of the vehicles belonged to Robinson, while the other was owned by her husband. The vehicles were insured but the house was not. Robinson estimated her losses to be some $23 million, excluding the vehicles.
Neighbours had related to this newspaper that they were awakened by sounds coming from the house and upon checking they noticed the fire. They said due to the intensity of the flames, they were unable to save anything.
The fire service is situated a short distance from Robinson’s home. However, she said she learned that the fire tender got stuck in mud on its way to the scene.
As a result, another tender had to be summoned and by time it arrived, the house was already destroyed.
Following the tragedy, the Guyana Police Force had pledged to support Robinson.
On Thursday, Commissioner of Police (ag) Nigel Hoppie handed over a sum of cash and a food hamper to Robinson.
The items were handed over during a simple ceremony held in the Commissioner’s Conference room, Eve Leary in the presence of several senior members of the force.