THE police are investigating a fatal accident that occurred at about 21:50 hrs  on Monday, at 6 Miles, Matthews Ridge, North West District, resulting in the death of Carlos Hinds, 21, of Temple Road, Ogle, East Coast Demerara; and Hezron Abrams, 26, of Kumaka, Moruca.
Investigations revealed that the two victims were in the tray of motor lorry, GMM 9285, which was going down a hill, when the driver lost control of the vehicle and it toppled.

Carlos Hinds and Hezron Abrams were rushed to the Matthews Ridge Hospital where they were pronounced dead on arrival.

The driver of the vehicle, Edmond Downer, is in police custody assisting with investigations.

Abrams was a sampler and Hinds was a geo-technical employee at Reunion Manganese Incorporated.

The truck was laden with sand and was travelling from Port Kaituma to Matthews Ridge.

Meanwhile, Reunion Manganese Inc., in a statement, expressed its regrets at the unfortunate accident.
It noted that Carlos and Hezron were employed by the company from March 9, 2011 and June 21, 2011 respectively and were “willing and competent workers”.

“They were part of a work party that went to Port Kaituma to collect sand and were returning to Matthews Ridge when the unfortunate incident occurred,” Reunion Manganese stated.

According to the company, the bodies were flown to Georgetown via Ogle, and a post mortem is expected to be performed today.

Meanwhile, speaking on the traffic situation, Commissioner of Police, Henry Greene, on Friday last, said that it is of concern that people are dying in the streets, and the Police Traffic Department has increased patrols in all divisions.

The top cop added that they have intensified their work on the roads and they are hoping to maintain that in order to reduce road fatalities.

Traffic ranks are now engaged in 18-hour stints on roadways such as Carifesta Avenue and Homestretch Avenue.

And others are out on the roads until 02:00 hrs, slowing down vehicles, and conducting searches.

For the year so far, 72 persons, including seven children, have lost their lives in 66 (reported) road accidents.

While for the corresponding period last year, 63 deaths were recorded in 62 accidents.