Fatal WCB accident: Family, friends hold vigil in call for justice
Family members and friends of taxi driver, Salim Yusuf, who was killed when a driver lost control of a speeding car and slammed into his taxi killing him are calling for justice.
Family and friends of taxi driver, Salim Yusuf, at the vigil on Saturday evening
On Saturday evening, Yusuf’s family and friends held a candlelight vigil at the scene of the accident and used the opportunity to reflect on his life.
The 30-year-old man of Cotton Tree, West Coast Berbice, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) was killed on September 24, a short distance away from his home. He was at the time heading home when the accident occurred.
Police have since said that at about 04:30h on September 24, motorcar PYY 3603, driven by a teacher of Kildonan Village, Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), was proceeding east along the northern drive lane at a fast rate of speed while motorcar PTT 9357, driven by Yusuf, was proceeding west along the southern drive lane at a fast rate of speed on the “D” Edward public road, West Coast Berbice.
The police said that the 33-year-old teacher lost control of his vehicle and collided with the right side of Yusuf’s car in the southern drive lane.
As a result of the collision, both vehicles received extensive damage.
Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) footage of the incident showed teacher’s car veering off of his lane and into the lane of oncoming traffic forcing one driver to take evasive action to avoid a collision before the teacher’s car slammed onto Yusuf’s car.
Acting Regional Commander Lonsdale Withrite said the matter is still being investigated. He noted that the driver has been released on station bail.
The commander added that the traffic department is still waiting on some additional information before a file is prepared and sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for advice on the way forward.
Family members of the now-dead taxi driver have expressed concern that the driver has been placed on station bail without charges.
However, under the law, the police can only detain a person for up to 72 hours without charging them unless being granted the perdition by the High Court to extend the period of detention beyond 72 hours. (G4)
