The mining town of Bartica was plunged into mourning after a senior official attached to the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Seven was struck down and killed by a speeding motor car on Wednesday evening.
Dead is 54-year-old Mark Dutchin, the overseer of the Works Department at the RDC.
Dead: Mark Dutchin
According to information received, the incident occurred at around 21:00h on Wednesday evening, while Dutchin was in the vicinity of 3rd and 5th Streets, Bartica.
The man was reportedly heading to his Lot 24 Housing Scheme, Bartica home, having departed a karaoke, when he met his demise. Persons in the area recalled seeing the taxi, driven by a young man, speeding down the roadway, and soon after, they heard a crashing sound.
The impact caused Dutchin to sustain injuries to his head and to have his legs and arms broken. He was rushed to the Bartica Hospital, where he succumbed while receiving medical attention.
When contacted, his wife, Valli Dutchin, explained that her husband had left home on Wednesday for work as normal. “He had a meeting during the day; so, after work, he went to the karaoke — something he normally does,” she recounted.
The grieving woman said she was at home when she received the news about the accident, and without hesitation, she and other family members rushed to the hospital. She noted that by the time she arrived at the medical facility, he was already dead.
“His head was injured, his arms broken, his legs broken, his ribs broken… he get lots of injuries…,” the woman cried. She noted that while family members have been receiving various reports of what occurred, they are urging the Police to conduct a thorough investigation.
Meanwhile, the Police have since arrested the driver of the vehicle, who remains in custody as investigations into the fatal accident continue. Dutchin leaves to mourn his wife and two children among other relatives and friends.
