Wall Collapse Claims Life of Construction Worker

September 22 2025

A tragic workplace accident at Bachelor’s Adventure, East Coast Demerara (ECD) claimed the life of 28-year-old Cuban national, Dayrovis Martinez Mendoza, a construction worker of 15th Street, Foulis, ECD. The incident occurred around 11:30 hrs today (Monday) at a private property along the Railway Embankment, where a supermarket and residential quarters are under construction.

According to police, Mendoza was among several Spanish-speaking labourers working at the site when the eastern fence wall — approximately 15 feet high and 120 feet long — suddenly collapsed, pinning him beneath the heavy rubble. Eyewitnesses reported scenes of panic as workers rushed to help, but were unable to lift the concrete.

Emergency responders, including the Guyana Fire Service, broke through the debris to retrieve Mendoza’s lifeless body. The site was later cleared to ensure no other workers were trapped.

Investigators disclosed that the property is being developed under a 40-year lease agreement signed on October 7, 2024, between Chinese businessman, 49-year-old Xie Guohui, and property owner, Carlos Paul. Guohui, who has more than 15 years’ experience in construction, said he personally supervised the project, which began about two months ago. However, on the day of the tragedy, he was unwell and absent from the site. He stated that he had hired six Spanish-speaking labourers, though their names were not recorded.

Following the fatal incident, Minister of Labour and Manpower, Keoma Griffith, along with Assistant Chief Occupational Health and Safety Officer, Roydon Croal, visited the location to conduct an immediate inspection.

Mendoza’s body was later removed by undertakers from the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, where it awaits a post-mortem examination.

The police and Ministry of Labour have since launched investigations into the circumstances surrounding the collapse.