Berbice man lying on road crushed to death by truck

A 53-year-old man lost his life on Friday evening after he was run over by a loaded paddy truck while lying on the roadway along Fyrish Public Road, Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).
Dead is Mark Songster, who had recently relocated to First Cross Street, Koker Dam, Fyrish, just two streets away from his former home at Section C Fyrish Road.
Police in the Albion Station District are investigating the fatal accident, which occurred at about 20:10h and involved motor lorry GYY 5720, owned by a 43-year-old woman and driven by a 43-year-old man, both of Black Bush Polder. The vehicle was reportedly transporting paddy at the time.

According to initial investigations, the lorry was proceeding west along the southern driving lane at what Police described as a normal rate of speed when it came into contact with Songster, who was lying on the southern side of the roadway. The truck subsequently ran over the man, resulting in severe injuries to his body.
Public-spirited citizens rushed to the scene and transported Songster to the Port Mourant Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
The driver has been taken into custody and is assisting Police with their investigations. The motor lorry involved has been lodged at the Albion Police station.

Police said a breathalyser test was administered to the driver, which recorded readings of 11 micrograms of alcohol in his breath.
Meanwhile, relatives revealed that Songster had only recently moved from his previous residence after his only brother returned to Guyana about a week ago and arranged for a close relative to assist in caring for him.
Previously, Songster lived alone. Villagers referred to him as an alcoholic. They said that he had promised to stop drinking as he moved to his new residence.
A cousin-in-law told this publication that Songster, who was known to consume alcohol, had been at home throughout Friday until about 16:00h, but could not say what transpired after he left.