-by Kyler Rollins

The community of Blairmont, Region 5, was plunged into mourning on Tuesday, following an early morning fire that claimed the life of a 61-year-old woman who was physically challenged.

Bibi Ramprashad, called Zeena, of No. 2 Settlement, Blairmont, West Bank Berbice, was alone at home when tragedy struck.

Ramprashad was physically challenged and depended on a wheelchair for mobility after developing complications in her foot related to diabetes, rendering her helpless when fire engulfed the house.

She shared the two story four-bedroom concrete home with her husband, 65-year-old Looknauth Ramprashad, known as Prame, who was working at Puran’s dumpsite in the backlands of the community at the time of the fire.

Speaking with NCN News, the grieving husband recounted the events leading up to the tragic death of his wife.

“Me a go work in the afternoon and come back in the morning. But this morning it wasn’t nice at all because me son and me daughter-in-law go for me. And whilst we deh halfway they say that daddy we get something to tell you. Me seh wah. What happen mommy dead? He seh no. The house burn down,” he said.

Estimating his losses to be well in the millions, Looknauth said the fire destroyed all of his belongings, including household furniture, a motorcycle and equipment.

Also destroyed were several outboard engines used to power the boat he relied on to access and maintain his farm.

Meanwhile, Divisional Fire Officer Clive McDonald told NCN News that the Guyana Fire Service received a report of the blaze at approximately 5:05 a.m. and fire tenders were dispatched to the scene from the Onverwagt Fire Station.

“The building was consumed by flames when they arrived there. Immediately they went into firefighting mode and during the operation they were informed that someone was in the premises,” he said.

Bibi was a mother of 7 and was described as a loving, caring, and generous person. An investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the blaze.

Persons wishing to assist Looknauth as he seeks to rebuild his life following the tragedy can contact him on 655-4295.