2 Indonesian nationals killed in 3-vehicle smash-up at Timehri

…4 others injured

Two Indonesian nationals were killed while four others were injured following a three-vehicle smash-up along the Timehri Public Road, East Bank Demerara (EBD) in the wee hours of Friday.

Edy Ansyori Sukri and Ikomang Tedy Arsa Bantara Putra died at the scene, while those who sustained injuries were rushed to the Diamond Regional Hospital where they are currently receiving treatment. Based on reports received, the accident occurred at about 03:51h and involved a motor lorry, GAJ 3074, a Route 63 minibus with registration number BAH 6588, and a contracted minibus with plates BAF 1135. At the time, the lorry was being driven by a 36-year-old resident of Land of Canaan, EBD while minibus BAH 6588 was driven by a 48-year-old Lusignan, East Coast Demerara (ECD) resident and minibus, BAF 1135 was being operated by a 55-year-old man of Crane Housing Scheme, West Bank Demerara (WBD). However, the two dead men and the injured persons were passengers of minibus BAF 1135. Enquiries disclosed that the motor lorry was heading to Timehri reportedly at a fast rate of speed when the driver allegedly swerved and came into contact with minibus BAH 6588, which was proceeding in the opposite direction. Due to the collision, the driver of the lorry reportedly lost control and crashed into minibus BAF 1135, which was behind the other minibus.
As a result of the smash-up, the occupants of minibus BAF 1135 sustained injuries to their bodies. An ambulance attached to the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) accompanied by emergency medical technicians, responded to the scene where the two Indonesian nationals were pronounced dead. Breathalyser tests conducted on all three drivers showed no trace of alcohol in their systems. They remain in custody and are assisting with the investigation. At the scene, mechanics were repairing the truck after which it will be towed to the Madewini Police Outpost. Persons in the area recalled hearing the loud crashing sound and as they rushed out, they saw the two minibuses and the truck. Some of the passengers, they noted had already exited the route 63 minibus and were assisting those from the other minibus. One man told the Guyana Times that the two now dead man would have sustained severe bodily injuries including broken legs and arms. He added that, from all indication, they were already dead when they were pulled from the wreckage. Within minutes, he stated the GDF ambulance arrived and sped off the scene with the injured persons. Meanwhile, at the Madewini Outpost, the owners of the two busses were making arrangements to remove the mangled vehicles as the police would have released such into their custody. One of the owners related that they were contracted by a company to transport oil and gas workers. She noted that the bus had picked up the workers at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) and was travelling to Georgetown when the accident occurred. The driver of the bus was also a foreign national and declined to comment when approached. This accident comes on the heels of the GPF’s installation of speed limiters for motor lorries which are intended to help transportation vehicles, such as motor lorries, which are naturally heavy, travel at a prescribed speed. This is expected to support road safety and improve the current safety conditions surrounding motor lorries, thereby leading to a reduction in accidents and the fear of accidents occurring in those circumstances.
Traffic Chief Assistant Commissioner of Police Mahendra Singh had stated that the devices are already in the possession of the GPF. “So, the update for the public now is that the speed limiters are already in the police’s possession, and the next step, the very important one, is the training of our licensed and certified officers. That has to happen by the certified specialists.” “So, the training is scheduled to commence on Monday for all of our certified officers who have been pre-identified to this unit. After the process of training is completed, we will commence the process of installation of the speed limiters for verification and certification.” He emphasised that ensuring safety on the roadways also requires a change in driver behaviour. “There is a culture that exists already, and to actually have a change in that, the positive or the negative about, a shift in driver behaviour. Absorb the rules of the road, conform to the signs that are here, travel within the speed limits that exist within the country. Generally, operate lawfully.” He further urged motorists to respect speed limits and give priority to vulnerable road users.