FORTY-year-old clothes vendor, Cyon Caunders of lot 101 Melanie, East Coast Demerara (ECD), died after he was struck down while walking on the Good Hope Public Road, ECD on Saturday afternoon.

According to information received by the Guyana Chronicle, a motor lorry bearing registration number GRR6081 and reportedly owned by China Railway First group- Guyana Incorporated, was involved in the accident which claimed the life of the pedestrian.

Reports indicate that the lorry was proceeding east along the Northern side of the public road, in keeping with the speed limit.

The driver, a 28-year-old resident of Little Diamond, EBD, alleged that the pedestrian was walking east on the northern side of the road some distance ahead of the lorry. Soon after, as the driver was in the vicinity of KSM investments, he further alleged that the man suddenly crossed the road, moving south and into his path. The vehicle was only a short distance away and though the driver applied the brakes, the man was struck down and the vehicle subsequently ran over him, crushing his head.

Caunders was taken to the Guyana Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) but was pronounced dead on arrival by a doctor on duty. He was also identified by his mother.

The driver, who abandoned the motor lorry and fled to his residence, was subsequently arrested by police. A breathalyser test conducted on him showed no traces of alcohol in his system. An investigation into the matter is ongoing.