An elderly female farmer was crushed to death by a sand truck on the East Coast of Demerara early Wednesday morning, while crossing her cattle over the public road.
Dead is 73-year-old Boodnie Persaud of Lot 116 Success, East Coast Demerara (ECD). The accident occurred around 06:30h at the Le Ressouvenir Public Road, ECD, just over the bridge.
Dead: Boodnie Persaud
According to Police reports, Persaud was in the process of crossing her cattle from south to north when she reportedly came in contact with the tray of motor lorry GLL 5714.
At the time, the truck was proceeding west along the southern side of the road and as a result of the impact, the woman fell, and the rear left wheel of the vehicle ran over her head, killing her instantly.
The woman’s son, Mohanram Persaud, told <<<Guyana Times>>> that he was at home when a neighbour informed him that his mother was involved in an accident and was lying on the Public Road of the neighbouring village.
The man said when he arrived on the scene, his mother’s body was covered with a tarpaulin. The truck, he added, was parked about 100 feet away from the body.
Mohanram said that he was told by persons on the scene that his mother was almost over the road when the truck reportedly undertook a car and struck her.
He further noted that persons on the scene claimed that after stopping the truck, the driver allegedly attempted to run away, but was captured and was taken back to the scene by a Police Inspector who had witnessed the accident.
According to Mohanram, his mother had been a cattle farmer for the past 30 years and it was a daily routine for her to take the animals to pasture closer to the seawall.
He said the elderly woman was strong and very active. She had a loving personality and was a seasoned singer at the Success Mandir.
Persaud’s body is presently at the Georgetown Public Hospital Mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination. She leaves to mourn four children.
Meanwhile, the 30-year-old driver of the truck, who resides in East La Penitence, Georgetown, was administered a breathalyser test; however, no trace of alcohol was found. He remains in police custody assisting with the investigations.
