Five police ranks, returning from the funeral of slain colleague Vickram Singh, sustained minor injuries last evening after their bus was hit by another around the Mahaica, East Coast Demerara area.

At 9 last night the injured ranks were still at the Georgetown Public Hospital receiving medical attention. This newspaper was reliably informed that their injuries are not serious and they would all be treated and released.

The names of the injured officers have not been disclosed. When questioned about the incident senior police officers at the hospital declined to comment and advised that the Public Relations Department “will most likely issue a statement on it”. A press release was not issued up to press time.

A police source has since reported that the bus, property of the Guyana Police Force, had transported ranks to Singh’s funeral and was making the return journey when the incident occurred. Singh was killed last Friday by a group of gunmen after he reportedly thwarted a robbery.

“The police bus was headed to Georgetown and a route 63 bus was headed to Berbice in its respective lane,” the source explained. “A cow got in the way of the route 63 bus and it swerved to avoid hitting the cow and slammed into the side of the police bus.”

The police’s vehicle was not badly damaged. Immediately after the incident the injured ranks were rushed to Georgetown for treatment.

“This could’ve turned into a major calamity but we’re just thankful that it didn’t,” the source stated.