POLICE are investigating a fatal accident which occurred at about 00:00 hrs on Thursday, September 25, on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway in the vicinity of Loo Creek, which resulted in the death of two persons and the hospitalisation of another.

Confirmed dead are Da Tai Lei, a 54-year-old Chinese National from Lethem, Rupununi and Edward Singh, an 87-year-old resident of Lethem.

In a statement, the police said the accident involved Motor Lorry #GAH 5391, driven by Liston Marcus, a 31-year-old from Ruimveldt Georgetown; and Motor Pickup #PAE 6499, driven by Da and occupants of the pickup, namely, Wen Wu Lei, a 41-year-old Chinese National, and the elderly Singh.

“Enquiries disclosed that the lorry was left parked (unattended) by the driver at about 22:50 hours, after allegedly developing mechanical problems, on the western side of the Soesdyke-Linden Highway at Loo Creek. The parked lorry was facing north, without any reflectors or any other warning appliances, placed to the rear, front, or side to alert other road users. Motor Pickup #PAE 6499, which was proceeding north along the western drive lane of the Highway at a fast rate, collided with the rear of the lorry.

As a result, the pickup driver, along with the occupants, received injuries to their bodies. They were extracted from the vehicle by the police and public-spirited citizens and taken to the Linden Hospital Complex, where Da Tai Lei and Edward Singh were pronounced dead on arrival by the Doctor.  Win Wu Lei is currently at the hospital receiving treatment for his injuries, with his condition regarded as serious,” the police said in its statement.

The bodies of the two deceased are at the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home awaiting post-mortem examinations.

The lorry driver is in custody, assisting with the investigation.