A young fisherman, Gangaram Iyarsammy, 25, tragically lost his life six days after a gas cylinder exploded while he was cooking aboard a vessel. Hailing from 75 Free Yard, Port Mourant, Berbice, Gangaram’s mother, Koolcoomarie, shared details of the incident that has left their family heartbroken.
Koolcoomarie recounted that her son had been working in French Guiana and returned home in November to attend his sister’s wedding. Following a brief Christmas holiday spent with his family, he returned to Cayenne on January 20, 2026, to sort out some paperwork. It was during this time that he ignited a gas stove aboard the fishing boat, leading to the explosion.
According to reports, Gangaram leaped into the river in an attempt to extinguish the flames but sustained severe burns to his face, chest, and feet. He was rushed to a local hospital by ambulance for urgent medical attention.
Since the explosion, he had been on oxygen support. Koolcoomarie revealed that on Saturday, his oxygen support was removed as he showed signs of improvement and could breathe on his own. However, tragedy struck again when Gangaram suffered three heart attacks, the last taking place on Monday morning, which ultimately resulted in his death.
Koolcoomarie expressed skepticism about the circumstances surrounding the incident and is pleading with authorities in Cayenne to conduct a thorough investigation into her son’s death. She is struggling to come to terms with the immense loss and remembers Gangaram as a kind and loving individual.
The community mourns the loss of a promising young man as friends and family seek answers regarding the events leading to his untimely passing.
