A 22-year-old motorcyclist and his four-month-old child were killed in a collision with a motor lorry on the Orangestein Public Road, East Bank Essequibo, on Friday morning. The man’s wife, who was also on the motorcycle, was injured and remains hospitalised.
Dead are Krishna Persaud, 22, of Meten-Meer-Zorg, West Coast Demerara, and his four-month-old child, Luke Persaud.
According to a release from the Guyana Police Force, the accident occurred about 11:00 hrs, and involved motor lorry GZZ 5068 and motorcycle CM 5492, which was being driven by Persaud. His 19-year-old wife was also riding on the motorcycle.
Initial enquiries revealed that the motor lorry was proceeding north out of a parking lot of a shopping mall located on the southern parapet of the roadway when another motor lorry travelling west along the southern side of the road stopped and allowed the driver of GZZ 5068 to turn and proceed east.
Police said that during this manoeuvre, the motorcycle, which was travelling west along the southern side of the road at an alleged fast rate of speed, overtook the stationary motor lorry on the solid double yellow lines.
In doing so, the motorcycle ended up on the northern side of the roadway and collided with the right-side front portion of the motor lorry.
“As a result of the collision, the motorcyclist and pillion riders fell onto the road surface and sustained injuries about their bodies,” the police release stated.
The injured family was picked up in an unconscious condition and taken to the De Kinderen Regional Hospital, where Krishna Persaud and the infant were pronounced dead on arrival by a doctor on duty.
Persaud’s wife later regained consciousness and was admitted to the female surgical ward, suffering from head and other injuries. Her condition has been listed as stable.
The bodies of the deceased are presently at the Ezekiel Funeral Home awaiting post-mortem examinations.
Meanwhile, Tropical Orchard Products Company Limited (TOPCO) confirmed that one of its trucks was involved in the accident.
In a statement issued on Friday, the company said it was “deeply saddened” by the tragic outcome of the incident.
“We are deeply saddened to learn that the incident has resulted in the tragic loss of life, including that of a father and a child,” the company stated, while noting that it also understands that the mother was injured.
The company further expressed condolences to the grieving family, stating: “On behalf of the management and staff of TOPCO, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones affected by this devastating tragedy.”
TOPCO also said it is cooperating fully with the Guyana Police Force and other authorities as investigations continue.
The driver of the motor lorry is currently in police custody, assisting with investigations. A breathalyser test conducted on the driver showed no trace of alcohol.
Investigators have also obtained CCTV footage as the probe into the fatal accident continues.
