SEVERAL persons injured in the accident involving minibus BPP6035 and an “out- of- control” bush truck GLL 8377 on the Friendship Public Road, East Bank Demerara, on Monday, yesterday remained warded at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), with victims still being wheeled into and out of the main operating theatre for surgery.Bearing the brunt of the injuries is driver of the minibus, Troy Boyer, 40 of Soesdyke, also on the East Bank of Demerara. Boyer, who was pinned under the bus and had to be cut free by rescue workers, was however in a stable condition. His condition is being closely monitored.
Both his arms are broken and in cast, from shoulder to lower arm, while his right leg is also fractured and in cast, among other injuries suffered.
Meanwhile, at mid-afternoon, Rachael Raphael and other members of her family were still being taken into theatre for surgery. They suffered multiple fractures, as well as facial injuries and had to undergo orthopaedic and maxillo facial surgeries. Some of the injured are the Raphael sisters: Elvina Raphael, 31; Ramona Raphael 15; Debbie Balgobin, 33; Padmini Balgobin; Odetta Nelson, 36, and Richlin Ralph.
The accident happened shortly after 10:00hrs, when the bush truck, GLL 8377, coming out of a yard at “Friendship short-cut,” ploughed into minibus BPP 6035, sending the vehicle laden with passengers flying over a river barrier. The bus was said to have toppled thrice before landing dangerously at the water’s edge. Persons on the scene said hadn’t it been for the mangrove trees planted at the riverside, the bus would have descended headlong into the river with everyone on board.