Minibus driver’s licence suspended

Number 19 Village accident

The minibus driver, who on Thursday last drove minibus BNN 9791 ina dangerous manner, causing five persons to be hospitalised, was on Friday charged for the offence.
Kemchand Shivprashad of Corentyne, Berbice made his appearance at the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court. He admitted to the charge read to him by Magistrate Alex Moore, which stated that on August 17, 2017, at Number 19 Public Road, East Berbice, Corentyne, while being under the influence of alcohol, he drove dangerously thereby causing serious injuries to Shazar Kiodeen, seven; Ryan Gorad, 10; Beesham Kiodeen, 12; Fizeea Kiodeen, 10 and Mohamed Safraz, 44.
Magistrate Moore suspended the defendant from driving for a two-year period. However, Shivprashad was rearrested following his appearance as the five injured persons are still hospitalised but are said to be in a stable condition. On Thursday night, the five injured persons mentioned above, along with Lilawattie Basdeo, 26; Eshan Looknauth, five; Dinesh Looknauth, 22; Yashi Looknauth, three; Fardeen Kiodeen, three; and Chari Narine, 45; all had to be rushed to the hospital after Shivprashad drove dangerously and collided with motor lorry GLL 8559 with trailer TSS 458.
According to reports received by Guyana Times, the lorry was proceeding East along the northern carriageway while the minibus was proceeding in the same direction.
Shivprashad attempted to overtake the lorry but was unsuccessful, causing him to collide with the rear of the trailer. Following the collision, the passengers had to be pulled from the mangled bus and rushed to the hospital, where six of them were treated and sent away.
Breathalyser tests were administered to both drivers and Shivprashad was found to be above the legal limit. As such, he was arrested and charged.