POLICE are investigating a fatal hit-and-run accident that claimed the life of a 16-year-old girl on Tuesday night along the Number 22 Village, Bel Air Public Road, West Coast Berbice.
Dead is Kimberley Jones, of Lot 63, Number 22 Village, Bel Air, who was struck at around 21:20 hrs while crossing the road.
According to police reports, the accident involved a motorcar with registration PAF 2130, owned and driven by 32-year-old Paul Mahabal of Montrose, East Coast Demerara.
Investigators said Mahabal was driving west along the southern side of the road when the right front of his vehicle collided with Jones, who was crossing from north to south.
Instead of stopping, Mahabal allegedly drove away, leaving the teen lying unconscious on the roadway.
Public-spirited residents quickly rushed to the scene, picked up the injured girl, and transported her to the Fort Wellington Public Hospital. Sadly, she was pronounced dead on arrival by the doctor on duty.
Police ranks from the Mahaicony Police Station later intercepted the vehicle and arrested Mahabal. He has since been taken to the Fort Wellington Police Station, where he remains in custody, assisting with the ongoing investigation.
Police are urging motorists to exercise caution on the roadways, and are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the accident to come forward with information.