A 17-year-old girl, along with a driver were killed, while another is seriously injured after the car in which they were travelling hit a culvert and landed in a trench at Zeeland, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara on Monday.
Dead are Michael “Aubrey” Ross of Skeldon, Corentyne Berbice; the driver of the car; and Jennifer Park of Lot 25 Manchester Village, Corentyne, Berbice.
The injured woman has been identified as 24-year-old Judy Park, the sister of the now dead teen while another occupant of the car, Kevin Madray escaped unhurt. Judy Park is presently receiving medical attention at the Mahaicony Cottage Hospital.
Based on reports received, the motorcar in which the four were travelling, was heading to Berbice from Georgetown when the driver attempted to overtake a low-bed vehicle transporting machinery but was forced to retreat after a vehicle was approaching in the opposite direction.
However, as the driver attempted to retrieve from overtaking, the motorcar collided with the right side of the lorry, causing it to flip several times, crashed into the culvert and ended up in the trench where it submerged.
The injured Judy Park was pulled from the wreckage. Ross and Jennifer Park remained submerged but by the time they were pulled from the car, they had already died. The duo was pronounced dead on arrival at the Mahaicony Cottage Hospital. Guyana Times was told that the now dead teenager was accepted to the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) and was accompanied by her sister to see her get settled into her new accommodations.
The car after it was pulled from the trench
When contacted, Ernest Park, father of the dead teen told this publication that his daughters left home on Monday morning to travel to CPCE but upon arriving at the institution, they were told that admission was rescheduled to another date.
“Jennifer was supposed to be admitted to CPCE this morning (Monday) but when she turned up with all her personal belongings, they told her that they were not taking in anyone today (Monday),” the father added.
Having all her luggage there and thinking about the hassle of travelling back with them when they are ready, the teenager reportedly asked a staff if she can at least secure some of her belongs but was told she could not leave anything on campus and that she will have to take them with her and return.
The aggrieved father noted that he last spoke with his daughters at about 12:10h when they informed him of what transpired. At the same time, they told him that the same car that took them to Georgetown will collect them and take them back home.
He received the dreaded news at about 14:00h. He recalled that his injured daughter, Judy Park, telephoned and informed him of the accident. “She told me that they were coming home when the car crashed into a bridge and ended up in a trench… Judy told me that she and a guy made it out of the car before it went under the water… By the time assistance came, Jennifer and Michael were dead,” he recalled.
He further stated that his daughter is a former student of President’s College and was eagerly waiting to start her teaching career.
Ross on the other hand, Guyana Times understands is a well-known driver in the area.
This publication also leant that one of his brothers holds a senior position in the Guyana Police Force. Investigations into the accident are continuing. (Bhisham Mohamed)
Dead are Michael “Aubrey” Ross of Skeldon, Corentyne Berbice; the driver of the car; and Jennifer Park of Lot 25 Manchester Village, Corentyne, Berbice.
