The driver of the minibus that toppled along De Kinderen Public Road, on the West Coast of Demerara last Friday morning, leaving 31-year-old Reshma Ramotar dead and her husband and their three minor children injured, was yesterday released on bail after he was charged with three traffic offences, including causing death by dangerous driving.
Kenrick Jettoo, 24, appeared before Magistrate Zamilla Ally-Seepaul at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court.
He denied the charge that on November 22nd, at De Kinderen Public Road, he drove minibus PEE 1243 in a manner dangerous to the public, thereby causing the death of Ramotar.
Bail was set at $600,000 bail and the matter was adjourned until December 12th.
Additionally, Jettoo was accused of driving a vehicle without a licence and breach of insurance.
He pleaded guilty to the two charges and was fined $20,000 for each offence.
Stabroek News had reported that the accident occurred around 6.30am.
While Ramotar of Lot 3355 Tuschen Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo died, her husband, Ravin Duke and their three children, Ravin, Romel and Rahul Duke, ages 6, 8 and 1, respectively, were injured.
They were all taken to the Leonora Cottage Hospital, where Ravin and the three children were admitted. They were subsequently discharged.
Ramotar was transferred to the West Demerara Regional Hospital, where she was later pronounced dead on arrival.
An autopsy yesterday showed that she died as a result of multiple injuries.
At the time of the accident, Ramotar and her family were occupants of minibus PEE 1243. It is unclear where they were heading.
Enquiries, this newspaper was told, revealed that minibus PEE 1243 and another bus, BGG 8917, were proceeding east on the northern side of the public road.
Minibus, PEE 1243 was travelling behind BGG 8917, reportedly at a fast rate of speed, and attempted to overtake while an unknown vehicle was proceeding from the opposite direction.
As a result, minibus PEE 1243 swerved to avoid a collision and the driver collided with the right side rear of minibus BGG 8917. As a result of the collision, minibus PEE 1243 turned turtle and ended up on the northern parapet of the road.
When Stabroek News visited the dead woman’s home on Saturday, her family was reluctant to comment on the accident.
Her grandmother, who wished not to be named, said that she received a call on Friday morning informing her about the accident. She added that before she arrived at the hospital, she received a message informing her that Ramotar died.
