A unit of the Guyana Fire Service on a fire report collided with a pedestrian resulting in his death.
Dead is Mahendra Haricharran of Number 71 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne)
According to the Police, enquiries disclosed that the fire tender bearing registration number PVV 2027, which is based at the Skeldon Fire Station and driven by a 33-year-old fireman of Budhan Housing Scheme, West Canje, Berbice was responding to a fire at Number 51 Village when it collided with the pedestrian, who was crossing the road from West to East.
The pedestrian was rushed to the Skeldon Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. According to Police, the driver, who passed a breathalyser test, is in custody assisting with the investigation.
When Guyana Times visited the area, an eyewitness related that Haricharran walked across the road and into the path of the fire tender which was approaching with siren blazing. Another eyewitness related that the now dead man is the second person to have crossed the Corentyne Highway as the siren approached.
“He walk straight into the fire truck,” a resident told Guyana Times. According to the eyewitness, the 33-year-old man was tossed into the air and landed some distance away from impact.
The speeding fire tender was stopped a short distance away. The man was picked up and taken to the Skeldon Hospital but had to wait for a while before receiving medical attention. He later died as a result of his injuries.
Meanwhile, the dead man’s mother, Kamla Katwaru, said the accident took place moments after her son walked out of the house following an argument.
She further related that Haricharran returned to Guyana about a year ago and was taking care of sheep, goats, fouls and ducks.
Meanwhile, the Police are continuing their investigation.