Last-Rites

MOTHER of Powergen blast victim, Taran Jhilmit, who suffered a mild stroke after receiving news of her youngest son’s death on Wednesday was able to attend her son’s funeral yesterday after she was discharged from hospital.

Ramkumarie Jhilmit yesterday sat beside her son’s casket overwhelmed with grief. Ever so often the hundreds of mourners gathered for the funeral heard sudden screams from Ramkumarie. “Oh God, my life gone, my son gone, Oh God, why — my baby” she screamed.

Jhilmit, 26, of Penal Rock Road along with Anil Jailal, 26, of Oropouche Road (North), Barrackpore died when they were hit with 33,000 volts of electricity during an explosion at PowerGen’s power supply station in Penal on Wednesday morning.

Jailal died while receiving medical treatment at the Augustus Long Hospital in Pointe-a-Pierre while his colleague, Jhilmit, died on the spot.

Yesterday a relative told Newsday during the funeral service that upon hearing the sudden and horrible death of her youngest of eight sons, Ramkumarie suffered a slight stroke and had to be rushed to the San Fernando General Hospital where she was warded. Fortunately, for her, she was able to return home on Friday.

She had to be consoled throughout the service, which was conducted at the Seventh Day Adventist Church, Penal Rock Road by Pastor David Holder.

Emergency medical attendants were called in by relatives to ensure that Ramkumarie was taken care of throughout the service.

Jhilmit’s girlfriend for over two years, Shelly Heeralal also had to be consoled throughout the funeral service as she continuously cried for her loved one.

Jhilmit was a member of the 8-mile Cricket Team for over six years. His team captain, Dominic Moon described him as a very good batsman and one who was well loved for his determination, competitive ways and most of all his quietness.

One of Jhilmit’s older brothers, Anil, who tearfully delivered the eulogy described his last brother, who was fondly known as “Reynold” or “Ren” as a very humble, respectful and diligent young man.

Jhilmit after completing his studies began working with caroni as an electrical technician for a few months, after which he started to work as a trainee with PowerGen. Following the service Jhilmit’s brothers and cricket team-mates carried the casket from the house where they led a small procession a few houses away to the waiting hearse and police escort.

Jhilmit, covered with a dozen red roses, was cremated at the Shore of Peace, Mosquito Creek, South Oropouche.