-Minibus driver was under the influence of alcohol
A reportedly intoxicated minibus driver, 47, and the driver of a motor lorry, 45, are in police custody assisting with the investigation of a serious accident which occurred Thursday evening on the No. 19 Public Road, East Coast Berbice, and resulted in five of eleven passengers of the minibus being hospitalized; four at the New Amsterdam Public Hospital and one at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).
They are said to be in serious but stable conditions.
According to a statement from the Police, their investigations revealed that motor lorry GLL 8559 with trailer TSS 458, was proceeding east along the northern carriageway, whilst mini bus BNN 9791 with the passengers, was in the rear, proceeding in the said direction, when it was alleged that the minibus in attempting to overtake the lorry and trailer collided with the rear of the trailer which was said to be unlighted.
As a result of the impact, the passengers, all from Topoo, Albion, Corentyne, received injuries, whilst the driver of the mini bus and lorry were unhurt.
The passengers were rushed to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital where six of them were treated and sent away.
Treated and sent away
1. Lilawattie Basdeo, 26 years
2. Eshan Looknauth, 5 years
3. Dinesh Looknauth, 22 years
4. Yashi Looknauth, 3 years
5. Fardeen Kiodeen, 3 years
6. Chari Narine, 45 years
Admitted at New Amsterdam Hospital
1. Shazar Kiodeen, 7 years
2. Ryan Gorad, 10 years
3. Beesham Kiodeen, 12 years
4. Fizeea Kiodeen, 10 years,
Transferred to GPHC
1. Mohamed Safraz, 44 years.
According to the police, breathalyzer tests were administered to both drivers and whilst the driver of the lorry, who hails from Nigg Settlement, Corentyne, Berbice, was not found to have any alcohol in his breath, the driver of the mini bus was found to be above the legal limit.
The investigation is in progress.
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