Two years after Jonnel and Phillip Armstrong were both killed in a fatal accident on the Friendship Public Road, East Bank of Demerara, a 28-year-old truck driver was freed from the cause of death by dangerous driving charge.

Ganshan Ram Das of Tushen Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo was freed after Magistrate Fabayo Azore found that the prosecution failed to prove their case due to insufficient evidence.

Particulars of both charges alleged that Ramdass on October 1, 2016 at Friendship Public Road, drove motor lorry GNN 5335 in a dangerous manner which resulted in the death of the siblings, Jonnel and Phillip Armstrong. Das was out on $400,000 bail.

According to reports, on the day in question, the two brothers and a friend were heading to Linden in a Toyota Rav4 vehicle when they collided with a truck that was heading in the opposite direction.

Reports are that the driver, who was one of the brothers and was reportedly speeding at the time, lost control as he was negotiating a turn and ended up in the path of the truck.
The driver of the truck managed to swerve but the Rav4 slammed into the side of the truck. The brothers were pronounced dead at the Diamond Diagnostic Centre.
Traffic ranks who responded to the scene were of the view that the wet road might have played a part in the accident.

Reports at the time were that the boys were on their way home to Linden to assist their mother with redecorating chores.(Clestine Juan)