A Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara man was killed and an unidentified child injured after the car they were in crashed into a bridge at Orangestein, East Bank Essequibo yesterday morning.
Dead is Steve Rogers, called ‘Blackie’ and ‘Kiwi,’ of Lot 105 Side Line Dam, Beterverwagting. Stabroek News was told that he succumbed almost instantly to head injuries he sustained in the crash.
Police said yesterday that they were investigating the fatal accident, which occurred around 9:30am. It said the accident resulted in injuries to a child, who was in Rogers’ company, but whose identity was unknown.
According to police, Rogers and the child, who is about four years old, were passengers in motor car HB 7763 which was proceeding along the Orangestein Public Road. It is alleged that another vehicle swerved across their path, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle and collide with a bridge.
Rogers and the child were taken to the Leonora Cottage Hospital, where Rogers was pronounced dead on arrival while the child was treated and referred to the Georgetown Hospital. This newspaper understands that the child, who is said to be in a stable condition, sustained a broken limb.
The driver of the car alleged to have caused the accident remained in police custody last evening.
Meanwhile, at Rogers’ home many had gathered to offer words of condolence to his wife, Juliet Harris-Rogers. The grieving woman explained that her husband left home for the Pomeroon, where he buys greens and other items. He was due to return the following afternoon.
She said that this was her husband’s usual routine. He would sell the goods on Sundays.
According to Juliet, she was at work when a friend called her and informed that her husband “reach in a serious accident.” She was told to go to the Leonora Hospital, where she found her husband dead. When she saw the body, only a small wound on his head was visible.
The woman added that she was told that at the time of the accident, Rogers was taking a young child to the Pomeroon. He said that someone in the city had asked him to take the child.
Relatives said they were told that the driver of the car Rogers was in was speeding but they were yet to receive official details from the police.
Rogers was a father of four.
