A 23-year-old unlicensed truck driver was on Friday remanded to prison for the deadly multi-vehicle crash on the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge, which claimed the life of 24-year-old taxi driver Scott Dorwart.
Jomel Kenny of Lot 48 Anna Catherina, West Coast Demerara, appeared on Thursday before Magistrate Dylon Bess in Court Three of the Diamond Magistrate’s Court, where he was charged with driving without a licence, breach of insurance and faulty packing of load.
The charges stem from the January 29 crash on the busy bridge, which resulted in the death of Dorwart, left another man with life-threatening injuries, and caused injuries to several others following a six-vehicle pile-up.
Dorwart, a taxi driver employed with Safe and Reliable Cabs, was the sole fatality at the time of the accident. One other person remains in serious condition, while two others sustained minor injuries. All injured parties are receiving medical attention.
Also charged was the owner of the truck, 55-year-old Antonio Johnson of Lot 6C Anna Catherina, who faces charges of breach of insurance and permitting an unlicensed driver to operate the vehicle.
Both men pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to them.
Johnson was granted bail in the sum of $50,000, while Kenny was remanded to prison. The matter has been adjourned to a later date.
The Ministry of Public Works has since confirmed that the incident involved six vehicles, including a cement-laden truck and a motorcycle.
According to preliminary investigations, the crash was caused by a mechanical failure on the truck while it was ascending the high span of the bridge. The ministry also moved to dispel public speculation that the vehicle was overloaded.
“The ministry wishes to categorically dismiss any rumours or misinformation suggesting that the truck involved was overweight. Verification of records confirms that the vehicle was weighed prior to crossing and successfully passed the axle load limit. The cause of the incident has been identified strictly as a mechanical malfunction,” the ministry said in a statement.
Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill also underscored the mechanical nature of the incident.
“It is clear that the truck was defective,” the minister said, adding that the vehicle was being operated by a driver who was reportedly not properly licensed.
