Written By Geeta Rampersaud
THE 24-year-old driver involved in the collision that killed four persons last week Friday, appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry yesterday and was remanded to prison.

Ritesh Bhagwandin, of Lot 12 Hope, East Coast Demerara is charged on four counts of causing death by dangerous driving.
He pleaded not guilty to the offences, particulars of which said, on Friday, October 18, at Coverden Public Road, also on the East Bank of Demerara, he drove motor lorry GPP 8495 in a dangerous manner, causing the deaths of Corretta Evans, Delroy Evans, Felix Marc and Poolmattie Samaroo.
Police Corporal Bharat Mangru, prosecuting, told the court the defendant was driving the vehicle at a very fast rate and he overtook another which was parked and ended up in the path of a route 72 mini-bus, BPP 3521 that was proceeding in the opposite direction, when its driver tried to swerve.
The Prosecutor said the truck collided with the bus and the driver, along with two passengers who were seated directly behind him, died instantly. Six others were taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH), one of whom succumbed.
The Prosecutor successfully objected to bail for Bhagwandin, citing the seriousness of the offences, the penalty attached and the fact that he may not return for his trial.
The cases will be called again on November 15.