Teen dies in Berbice motorcycle crash

A 16-year-old boy died on Thursday evening after the motorcycle he was riding crashed into a utility pole along the Princeton Access Road, Corentyne, Berbice, triggering protests by residents who blocked sections of the public road and demanded answers.

Dead is Aftaz King, a labourer of Eliza Mary Race Course, Corentyne, Berbice.
According to the Guyana Police Force, the fatal incident occurred at about 18:45h and involved motorcycle CL 5607, which was ridden by the teenager.
In a statement issued Thursday night, the police said preliminary investigations revealed that King attempted to evade a police patrol, lost control of the motorcycle and collided with a utility pole.
He sustained injuries and was taken to the No 75 Regional Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival by a doctor.
The incident sparked outrage in the community, with residents taking to the streets, setting debris on fire and blocking sections of the Princetown Public Road.
Residents have alleged that King was being pursued by police at the time of the crash and are calling for accountability and a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
In response, the Guyana Police Force said its Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) has launched an immediate investigation into the incident.
“The OPR investigation will examine all aspects of the incident and establish whether there was any criminal or disciplinary culpability,” the police said.
The force added that it recognises the seriousness of the matter and assured King’s relatives and the public that appropriate action will be taken should the investigation find any criminal or disciplinary wrongdoing.
Police said investigations are continuing and that additional details will be released as they become available.