Two miners were killed when a truck leaving a mining camp in Puruni toppled over while moving downhill on Saturday.

Four others were injured in the accident, which police say occurred when the truck driver tried to hit a deer in the road.

Dead are Albert Persaud, 40, of Pomeroon, and Brian Hendy, 37, of Berbice, who were in the truck’s tray. Police, in a press statement last evening said that the incident occurred at about 10:30am on Saturday at Aranapai Backdam, Middle Mazuruni.

Investigations revealed that the driver of the lorry, with licence plate number GLL 2372, was proceeding along the trail with six miners in the tray of the vehicle. “It is reported that he saw a deer in the trail and accelerated with the intention of hitting the animal. However, he lost control of the vehicle which turned turtle resulting in the death of Brian Hendy and Albert Persaud,” the statement said.

Also injured were Abdool Puran, 37, of Parika, Lynden Semple, 44 of Aberdeen, Pomeroon River, Clive Bollney, 48, of Tucville, and Aloysius Best, 17, of Sophia. They were treated at the Bartica Hospital.

A police source said that two of the men sustained broken ribs.

The area where the accident occurred was said to be wet at the time The truck, Stabroek News understands, went to drop goods and other items to a mining camp located in the Puruni area. The accident occurred as the vehicle was driving along New Road, Puruni on its return journey.

Persaud’s relatives have since been informed of his death. Meanwhile, the driver of the truck is in custody assisting with investigations, the police said.