A 42-year-old hire car driver from Berbice died early Tuesday morning after the vehicle he was driving crashed into a roadside stall and plunged into a canal along the Edinburgh Public Road, East Bank Berbice, police said.
The deceased has been identified as Oswin Lawson of Lot 46 Stanleytown, New Amsterdam, Berbice.
According to police, the accident occurred at about 01:30 hrs while Lawson was driving motor car HD 8644 south along the eastern drive lane of the Edinburgh Public Road at an alleged high rate of speed. Investigators said it is believed the driver might have fallen asleep and lost control of the vehicle.
Police reported that the car subsequently collided with a roadside stand situated on the eastern grass parapet before veering into a nearby canal, where it became submerged.
Public-spirited citizens reportedly rushed to the scene and managed to pull Lawson from the submerged vehicle in an unconscious condition. He was transported to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital, where he was examined by a doctor on duty and pronounced dead on arrival.
Investigators said several injuries were observed on Lawson’s body. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the injuries were solely consistent with the impact of the crash, and investigations remain ongoing.
Police also confirmed that a 21-year-old contractor has been arrested and remains in custody assisting with investigations into the circumstances surrounding the fatal incident. No charges have been announced.
An eyewitness, who requested anonymity, said he heard a loud impact and observed persons attempting to assist Lawson before emergency responders arrived. The witness claimed the vehicle remained partially submerged for several minutes before disappearing completely underwater. Those claims have not been independently verified.
Lawson’s body has since been taken to a funeral home where it is awaiting a post-mortem examination.
Police said investigations into the fatal crash are continuing.