ESSEQUIBO businessman, Balaram Rajput is counting his losses after his minibus was gutted by a mysterious fire on Tuesday morning.

The incident reportedly occurred around 10:00 hours in front of the Imam Bacchus and Sons Supermarket, where the 73- year-old Affiance resident had parked his vehicle.

The businessman recalled that after parking his bus, he went into the supermarket to purchase masks and hand sanitisers, and that it was while exiting the building that he noticed smoke coming from the vehicle, followed by a huge fire.

On seeing this, Rajput said he immediately raised an alarm, and workers attached to the supermarket immediately rendered assistance. Tanks of water and extinguishers had to be used quell the raging flames.

The bus was fully loaded with vegetables and other edibles at the time of the fire.

The pensioner has been selling vegetables throughout the Essequibo Coast for more than 20 years. He usually retails fresh vegetables to residents by driving around to various villages.

When asked what could have caused the sudden flames, Rajput said he is clueless, as he regularly maintains his vehicle. He estimated his loses to be in the vicinity of $500,000.

The businessman said he is thankful no one was injured, and expressed his gratitude to the supermarket’s staff for their efforts.

A report was made to the Anna Regina Fire Station, and fire officials have since launched an investigation.