–Traffic Chief says, as five die, four critical in Soesdyke-Linden Highway smash-up

POLICE are investigating the horrific Monday morning accident at Long Creek, on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway between two taxis, which resulted in the death of five individuals and left four others critically injured.
Dead are Uranie Hall, Rushell Leacock, Rayhum Leacock, called ‘Eddo’, Clinton Patterson, and Dwalon Farrel.

Meanwhile, Asha Granum, Aubrey Gandi, Rashana Burberry, and Ashana Rammacindo are currently hospitalised, and their conditions are listed as critical.
According to a police release, the accident occurred around 08:20hrs between a black motorcar PAF 6785, owned and driven by Rayhum Leacock, and motorcar PTT 8159, owned and driven by Dwalon Farrell.

“Inquiries disclosed that PTT 8159 was proceeding south along the eastern drive lane, while PAF 6785 was proceeding north along the western drive lane, both allegedly at a fast rate. As the vehicles were about to pass each other, the driver of PAF 6785 reportedly lost control of his vehicle, causing it to collide, head-on, with PTT 8159.

“This collision caused extensive damage to both cars, and all the occupants were injured,” a police release detailed.
They were all taken to the Linden Hospital Complex, and were examined by doctors there. The Leacock siblings, Patterson, Hall, and Farrel were pronounced dead on arrival.

Granum, Gandi, Burberry, and Ashana were admitted to the said hospital with severe injuries, but were later transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital where their condition is listed as critical.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an event on Monday afternoon, Traffic Chief, Senior Superintendent Mahendra Singh said the accident was an “unfortunate” loss of lives.

The Traffic Chief related that the condition of the survivors is not as stable as he would like.
He said that the case of the accident is unknown at the moment, since investigations are still ongoing.
“It is an unfortunate loss of life; I think it’s one that could have been prevented.

Drivers need to responsible enough to recognise that it’s not all about speed, and to get people quickly to where they want to go.
“They must recognise that they have a role to play to keep the passengers alive. So, if it’s a taxi, it means that business will continue, and they will continue to live. Now two of them are dead, and families still depending on them,” he said.
The Traffic Chief related that while he sympathises with the mourning families, he would like to urge road users to be cautious when traversing the roadways.