By Alva Solomon

A 20-year-old Guyana Defence Force (GDF) rank died on Monday morning after the Toyota pick-up he was travelling in turned turtle near Bushy Park, East Bank Essequibo.Shawn Spellen, 20, of Stewartville, West Coast Demerara (WCD), sustained mainly head injuries; and those injured in the accident include Keron Moore, 21; Denzil Moore, said to be in his 20s; and another occupant of the vehicle whose name could not be verified. The injured were transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital at daybreak for further treatment.

A police release said Spellen was an occupant of a motor vehicle which suffered a puncture, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle. Spellen was taken to the Leonora Cottage Hospital, where he later succumbed.

Reports are that the young men had ventured to the Parika area on Sunday evening, and after partying that night, they left the location for home. At about 02:30 hrs, they were in the vicinity of Bushy Park when the accident occurred.

Relatives of Spellen reported that he was sitting in the tray of the vehicle, a Toyota Tundra, when it overturned on the public road.
Public-spirited citizens responded to the accident and ferried the injured men to the hospital.

Police are investigating the accident.