A severe house fire has left an elderly Belize City resident with critical injuries and his home completely destroyed. The incident occurred on Sunday at a metal-structured residence located on Rio Bravo Crescent in the Faber’s Road Extension area.
Emergency services responded to the scene after reports of an explosion and ensuing blaze. Upon arrival, firefighting personnel discovered the small dwelling fully engulfed in flames. Despite their rapid intervention to extinguish the fire, the interior of the home sustained total devastation.
The sole occupant, identified as Kenneth Flores, was transported urgently to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) where he is currently undergoing treatment for serious burn injuries. According to preliminary investigation details provided by ACP Hilberto Romero, Head of the National Crime Investigation Branch, the incident appears to have originated from a stove explosion.
ACP Romero confirmed that Flores was in the process of lighting the stove when a sudden explosion occurred, leading to both his injuries and the rapid spread of fire throughout the structure. Police authorities have launched a formal investigation to determine the exact cause of the explosion and subsequent fire, examining all potential factors that may have contributed to this dangerous incident.
Medical officials at KHMH have reported that despite the severity of his injuries, Mr. Flores remains in stable condition as of the latest assessment. The investigation continues as authorities work to prevent similar tragedies in the future.