MORE than 10 persons, mostly children, received injuries after a speeding Toyota HiAce minibus collided with a Toyota Fielder Wagon at the corner of Lance Gibbs and New Garden Streets, Queenstown.When questioned, the driver of the Route 40 minibus, BPP 8442, Naresh Ramjohn said he took that route in an attempt “to beat the traffic.” He was driving north towards Lamaha Street, where eyewitnesses attested that he was speeding and failed to heed the stop sign at the corner of New Garden Street.

Consequently, the minibus collided with the Fielder Wagon, HC 5787, which was travelling west along Lance Gibbs Street.

The driver of the mini-bus was allegedly carrying an overload, primarily children and a few parents who had been out hunting school supplies.

“PACKED” MINIBUS
According to an 11- year-old girl, who sustained minor injuries, the bus was “packed” and the conductor was “standing” inside of the bus to accommodate the overload of passengers. A baby was also sitting with her mother beside this 11-year-old girl who luckily remained unharmed, even though the mother sustained some injuries.

The driver of the Fielder Wagon, Calvin Barrows, said that he was driving along Lance Gibbs Street when he saw the speeding bus that failed to stop. The Wagon collided with the minibus causing it to “topple” and “skate” on its left side further north of New Garden Street, according to eye-witnesses.

Neither of the drivers nor the minibus conductor sustained any serious injuries. However when the Guyana Chronicle visited the Georgetown Public Hospital more than 10 persons were either being treated or awaiting treatment for a variety of injuries ranging from bruises to lacerations sustained in the crash. (Vishani Ragobeer)