Teacher, Shaundel Duke and six of her students from the Augsburg Primary School died when the car they were traveling in veered off the road and into a deep canal. At the time of the accident, they were returning from Mashramani celebrations; Duke was the driver.
The President was accompanied by Education Minister Priya Manickchand, Transport Minister Robeson Benn and several regional officials.
In offering words of comfort, Ramotar said that the tragedy is one which would leave any family or community in a state of shock. The President made several promises to the families, while Minister Benn committed that the Burma Road which is presently under repairs will be completed shortly.
According to the police, it is suspected that the teacher had lost control of the vehicle as they were returning home from the school Mash event.
The children who lost their lives in the incident are Martina Persaud, 7 years; Asia Abel, 10 years; Azikia Fraser, 6 years; Adeshe Woolford, 9 years; Justin Abel, 8 years; and Rayden Abel, 7 years, all of Mahaicony.
The teacher and her students were rushed to the Mahaicony Hospital where they were pronounced dead. [Leroy Smith]
