Truck driver Godfrey Austin, who was involved in the accident at Matthew’s Ridge, North West District, on Sunday, during which three persons were killed, was taken back to the scene by ranks yesterday.
Stabroek News was told that the man spent Monday night at the Matthew’s Ridge Hospital, after his “sugar and blood pressure went up”. This newspaper was told that the man was also formally charged over the deaths and will have to remain in police custody until he is brought to the city to answer the charges. The next sitting of the court at Matthew’s Ridge is in August.
Meanwhile, the police are awaiting a post-mortem examination on the remains of Fabian and Trevor Abrams and Deon Baptiste. This could be done as early as today, when the pathologist is scheduled to arrive in the North West District.
Reports are that the three men were killed and two others injured when the lumber truck they were travelling in toppled down a hill before coming to rest in a ravine at Papaya Turn called ‘Hill Seven’ around 5 pm.
According to reports, the men were pinned by pieces of lumber and the Abramses and Baptise died before rescuers could reach them. A young man, identified only as ‘O’Neil’ of Moruca and another man, whose identity this newspaper was unable to ascertain, sustained wounds to various parts of their bodies.
While the circumstances surrounding the incident are unclear, this newspaper had been told that the group was heading out of the backdam area and as the vehicle got to a turn on the hill, the driver lost control. The vehicle then toppled several times resulting in the Abramses and Baptiste being pitched several feet into the air.
A hymac had to be used to free the trapped men.
Investigations are continuing.