One dead, three burn victims seek overseas care after South Camp Road garage blast

One man has died and three others are being moved urgently for specialist treatment overseas after an explosion and fire at a garage facility beside the Beryllium compound on South Camp Road in Kingston.

The four men were taken to Kingston Public Hospital on Wednesday after suffering serious burn injuries. One of them, identified as Richard McGuire, died on Thursday morning.

Two of the surviving men were later transported to the Norman Manley International Airport to be flown to the United States for care. Crisis Support Charity, which assists burn victims who need overseas medical treatment, helped to arrange the flights.

Stephen Joseph, the charity’s director, said one patient was being sent to UCF in California, while another was headed to the JMS Burn Center in Atlanta, Georgia. He described the Atlanta facility as one of the leading burn centres in the United States.

Nicholas Benjamin, deputy chairman of the Guardsman Group of Companies, said speed was critical in getting burn victims to advanced medical care. He said delays could affect the outcome even when patients are sent to strong treatment facilities.

Arrangements were also being pursued to have the third surviving victim flown to the United States. Benjamin said that, despite the seriousness of the injuries, the employees appeared to be maintaining a positive outlook.

He said the situation was painful for all involved, but the men’s spirit was helping those around them. Benjamin also thanked the medical team at Kingston Public Hospital, saying staff acted quickly to stabilise the injured men and prepare them for the next stage of their recovery.