A 12-year-old schoolgirl died on Wednesday afternoon, after she was struck down by a police pickup while attempting to cross the Goed Fortuin Public Road, West Bank Demerara.

Dead is Kayla Barnabas, a student of the West Demerara Secondary School.

According to a police release, the fatal accident occurred around 15:45 hours and involved Guyana Police Force motor pickup GXX 6575 driven by a Police Corporal and Barnabas.

“Information received is that Force motor pickup GXX 6575 was proceeding south along the eastern side of the road when it was alleged that the schoolgirl ran from east to west across the road in the path of the pickup,” the release said.

The driver reportedly swerved west to avoid a collision but the front of the vehicle collided with the child.

Barnabas was picked up in an unconscious state and taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital where she was pronounced dead on arrival.

According to the police, CCTV cameras in the area will be reviewed to determine whether the pickup was speeding.

A breathalyzer test was done on the policeman and no trace of alcohol was found in his system.

He is currently under close arrest as the investigation continues.