GUYANA-Suspect being hunted as explosion kills one, injures several others.

GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CMC – The Guyana government Monday said that law enforcement authorities are pursuing one suspect following the deadly explosion at a gas station that left one person dead and several others injured.

“I was also briefed on the identification of an individual of interest, and I have instructed that images of this person be circulated widely so that the public may assist the Guyana Police Force by sharing any information that could aid the investigation,” said President Irfaan Ali, who is on an official visit to Saudi Arabia.

The explosion on Sunday night at a gas station in the capital, Georgetown, resulted in the death of six-year-old Soraya Bourne and left four others injured. Those seriously injured are Sedyia McIntosh and Rishad Lorde. Comparatively minor injuries were sustained by Jennifer Cooper and Yvonne Jones.

“I have directed that a full-scale investigation be launched immediately and that every available resource and investigative tool be utilized to determine the precise cause and circumstances of this incident,” Ali said.

“I also extend my deepest sympathies to those affected and their families. I have spoken directly with the medical teams attending to the injured and have instructed that every form of support and care be provided to those under treatment,” he added.

Home Affairs Minister, Oneidge Walrond, has already convened a high-level meeting attended by the Chief of Defense Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan; Head of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), Sheldon Howell; Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken; and Deputy Commissioners of Operations and Administration, Errol Watts and Ravindranauth Budhram.

The authorities have already ruled out a cooking gas cylinder being responsible for the explosion, with Walrond saying, “My heart goes out to the Bourne family during this unimaginably painful time”.

The Ministry said that it continues to work closely with the relevant security agencies to ensure that all aspects of this tragic event are thoroughly investigated and that justice is served.

In May 2025, two loud explosions co-occurred at the Ruimveldt Police Outpost and a nearby Guyana Power and Light substation on Mandela Avenue. At that time, two Spanish-speaking persons had been identified as the suspects.