Brazilian fuel truck driver dies in crash along Lethem trail
A Brazilian fuel truck driver, identified as Weliton Venacio Lima, lost his life on Saturday, in a crash along the Kurupukari-Lethem Trail Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo). The accident took place near the Maushparu Bridge, close to the Canopy Walk Site.
The truck that turned turtle in Lethem
According to reports, Lima was the lone occupant of a fuel tanker traveling along the rugged trail.
He was reportedly driving at a high speed and may have been unaware of the bridge’s location, making it difficult to decelerate in time. As a result, the tanker approached the edge of the bridge and tipped over, plunging into the creek below.
The impact reportedly left Lima pinned inside the cab of the overturned truck, and emergency responders pronounced him dead at the scene.
The incident has sparked renewed calls for caution and awareness among drivers navigating the challenging terrain of the Kurupukari-Lethem Trail, which has seen multiple accidents over the years.
Investigations are ongoing as police work to determine the exact cause of the mishap.
Currently, the construction of 32 concrete bridges is nearing completion along this corridor, with the final bridge at Pirara expected to be finished by Christmas. Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill recently affirmed that the Government is committed to completing the Pirara Bridge on schedule, despite ongoing challenges.
“These bridges will significantly improve connectivity and provide a safer, more reliable route for residents and transporters,” said Edghill during his remarks at the National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference.
He added that senior engineers will be dispatched to Region Nine to ensure the timely completion of the Pirara Bridge, which is being built to international standards at a cost of $410.2 million.
The Kurupukari-Lethem Project is part of a broader Government initiative to develop hinterland infrastructure, aimed at enhancing accessibility and supporting economic development in remote regions. The project includes the ongoing construction of 13 additional bridges from Linden to Mabura Road, which, together with the Kurupukari-Lethem improvements, are expected to transform travel and trade in and out of the hinterland. (G9)
