Six children ranging in age from three years to 10 years were admitted to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) for injuries they sustained in a three-vehicle smash-up that occurred on Thursday at around 08:50h on the Rising Sun public road, West Coast Berbice.
Based on information received, minibuses BHH 5558 (school bus), BNN 8359 and BTT 2426 were travelling in a westerly direction when the driver of BTT 2426 attempted to overtake BNN 8359 but realised that a motor car was coming towards him. He attempted to return into his lane but collided with BNN 8359 and BHH 5558.
The accident scene on Thursday morning
This collision caused BNN 8359 and BTT 2426 to topple; while BHH 5558, transporting pre-school, nursery and primary-aged students to a private school in Golden Fleece, was hit from the side and back.
More than 20 pupils were rushed to the Mahaicony Regional Hospital, but six who were suffering from open head wounds and broken limbs were referred to the Georgetown Public Hospital in a conscious state.
Frantic relatives of the injured children converged on the GPHC, some completely oblivious to the nature of their child’s injuries.
Tomeka Glasgow, mother of 5-year-old Renaiya Glasgow who allegedly suffered a sprained arm and several broken fingers, was visibly distressed at her daughter’s tears and pain, but told Guyana Times that the doctors were attentive.
And the worried mother of 5-year-old Malachi Duncan told this publication her mother informed her of the accident, and when she rushed to the Mahaicony Hospital, her son had already been transferred to the GPHC, since he had sustained severe injuries to his back, and his head was bleeding profusely.
Members of other families sat in front of the GPHC’s Accident and Emergency Unit crying and praying. Police informed this publication that the three drivers were all taken into custody and are assisting with investigations.
Guyana Times was also told that, as at Thursday afternoon, police were still awaiting feedback from the GPHC as to the extent of the injuries of the six children who were admitted. (Ramona Luthi)
