The death toll as a result of road accidents jumped by four on Monday morning after a smash up between a mini-bus and a sand truck at Greenwich Park on the East Bank of Essequibo.
The four persons who lost their lives were identified as 50-year-old mini-bus driver, Vernon Prowell, 72-year-old Margaret Kennedy; 57-year-old Olga Reddy; and 40-year-old Elvis Charles. They were all occupants of the minibus.
A Police statement said the mini-bus and the sand truck were being driven along the Greenwich Park Public road in opposite directions. According to the Police, the truck was being driven at a fast rate by 38-year-old driver Ewart Stewart.
The driver said while he was proceeding along the roadway, a car that was being driven in front of him made a sudden stop as it approached a pedestrian crossing, and to avoid hitting the car, he mashed on his brakes and swerved to the right, slamming into the mini-bus that was heading in the opposite direction.
The impact ripped apart the front and right side of the mini-bus, resulting in the injuries sustained by the driver and several passengers, eventually leading to the deaths of the driver and three of his passengers and the hospitalisation of a number of other passengers.
The Police said breathalyzer test was conducted on the truck driver, but there was not trace of alcohol found in his system, but he has since been taken into custody to assist with the investigations.
Since the start of this year, more than 30 persons have lost their lives on the country’s roadways, representing a more than 100% increase in fatal road accidents and incidents.
Speeding has been listed as the main cause for fatal road accidents in Guyana.
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