Motorcyclist dies, pillion rider injured in 2-vehicle collision

A 21-year-old motorcyclist is now dead, while his pillion rider is hospitalised following a collision along the Coverden, East Bank Demerara (EBD) Public Road, on Wednesday evening.

Dead is Christopher Thomas from Yarrowkabra, Soesdyke-Linden Highway.
Based on reports received, Thomas and a 24-year-old man from Grand Sand Road, EBD, were riding along the Coverden Public Road on motorcycle CR 8010 when it came into contact with a motor van, PAG 8745, which was at the time driven by a 39-year-old Chinese national.
Initial enquiries revealed that the motor van was proceeding along the roadway and, upon approaching the entrance to a worksite compound, allegedly turned right into the compound without stopping. In the process, the vehicle collided with the motorcycle, which was allegedly speeding.
However, as a result of the collision, Thomas and the pillion rider were flung onto the roadway and sustained injuries to their bodies. They were picked up and taken to the Diamond Regional Hospital, where Thomas was pronounced dead. The pillion rider remains a patient at the hospital.
A breathalyser test conducted on the driver of the motor van returned a reading of 0.07 micrograms, which is below the prescribed legal limit. The driver of the motor van is presently in Police custody, assisting with investigations.