Traffic was temporarily disrupted on the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge on Friday after a canter truck loaded with detergent products burst into flames on the westbound carriageway.
The fire, which occurred on September 25, triggered a rapid response from the Guyana Fire Service, with firefighters from the La Grange Fire Station arriving with Water Carrier #28 and bringing the blaze under control within minutes.
No injuries or serious casualties were reported.
The truck was travelling toward the West Bank when the fire broke out, forcing a temporary interruption of westbound traffic as firefighters worked to extinguish the flames and secure the area.
Traffic has since resumed, but motorists have been advised to exercise caution when crossing the bridge.
The driver assisted police with the investigation, while authorities work to determine what caused the truck to catch fire. No cause has been established at this stage.
The incident adds to recent concerns surrounding the security and operation of the major bridge, which connects the East Bank and West Bank Demerara and carries heavy daily traffic.
Earlier this month, police launched an investigation into the theft of approximately 90 feet of copper cable from the bridge. The stolen cable was reportedly valued at about GY$1.62 million, with investigators saying it had been cut and removed between August 23 and September 1.
Friday’s fire, however, did not result in reported injuries or lasting disruption to traffic.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the cause of the blaze and have urged motorists using the bridge to remain alert and proceed with caution.
![Ethiopian refugees gather in Qadarif region, easter Sudan. [Marwan Ali/AP Photo]](https://villagevoicenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/refugees.jpg)
