A FORTY-YEAR-OLD rice farmer, Ganesh Jodhan, of Richmond Housing Scheme on the Essequibo Coast lost his life in very tragic circumstances Saturday evening, after the tractor he was driving plunged into a nearby canal pinning him under the water.

Police reported that, at about 16:30 hrs on Saturday, Jodhan was transporting paddy in a motor tractor/trailer when he lost control of the tandem along the Hoff-Van-Aurich Public Road.
The vehicle turned over in a trench and Jodhan was pinned below but after being rescued and rushed to Suddie Hospital, on the Essequibo Coast, he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Reports said Jodhan tried to jump off the machine but one of his feet got stucked under the wheel of the tractor which pulled him under the water and pinned him down. Public spirited citizens rushed to the scene and tried desperately to free him.

The farmer has left to mourn his wife and two young children, Rajiv and Ahesa, and other relatives. Police are investigating.
Meanwhile, statistics from Police Headquarters, Eve Leary, reveal that seven more road fatalities occurred up to the end of September, in comparison to the same period last year.
Of the 88 for 2011, as compared to 81 for 2010, nine children were among the victims of traffic accidents, four more than last year.
Pedestrians and pedal cyclists were the two main categories, 33 and 17, respectively, while speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol are the major causes of the fatal mishaps, the data established.