-four in critical condition
By Subhana Shiwmangal
Five persons died at Long Creek on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway yesterday after a head-on collision involving two cars and four others are in critical condition.
The five dead persons were identified as Rushell Leacock-Jones, Graduate Senior Mistress of Kwakwani Primary; her brother, Rehum Leacock also known as Eddo, 24-years-old of Kwakwani who was the driver of one of the vehicles; Dwaylon Farrell, Graduate Head of Department (GHOD) of Industrial Technology at the New Silvercity Secondary, Linden and the driver of the other vehicle; retired nurse, Urani Hall and Clinton Patterson.
The police say the accident occurred at 8.20 am. It involved two motor cars, one, a black with registration number PAF 6785 owned and driven by Rehum Leacock and the other, a silver-coloured car with registration number PTT 8159 owned and driven by Farrell, a 42-year-old of Herstelling Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara.
Inquiries, police say, disclosed that PTT 8159 was proceeding south along the eastern drive lane while PAF 6785 was proceeding north along the western drive lane both allegedly at a fast rate. As the vehicles were about to pass each other the driver of PAF 6785 reportedly lost control of his vehicle causing it to collide head-on with PTT 8159.
This collision caused extensive damage to both cars, and all the occupants were injured. They were taken to the Linden Hospital Complex and were examined by doctors. However, Rehum Leacock, Patterson, Rushell Leacock-Jones and Farrell were pronounced dead on arrival. The other four occupants (Asha Granum, Aubrey Ghanie, Roseann Bumbury, and Ashana Ramsammy) were admitted to the hospital with severe injuries. They were later transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital and admitted. Their condition is regarded as critical, the police say.
Measurements and statements were taken, and the vehicles have been lodged at the station to be examined by a licensing and certifying officer.
A resident, Nigel Hughes, said that he along with other relatives were in the upstairs of their home when he heard a loud bang. He said that they ran out to see what had happened and saw the silver-coloured car first. He added that they rushed to the scene to rescue the passengers but observed that most of them were pinned inside the cars, “We then tried to rescue the people.” He added that three persons died on the spot.
Hughes expressed concern about the lack of emergency medical and fire facilities along the highway route. He said that a health facility with an Emergency Department and Fire Service on the Linden Highway would significantly aid in rescue missions and reduce waiting times whenever there is an accident or an emergency on the Highway. He said that accident victims have to wait until personnel come from either Linden or Diamond. “We had to eventually call the Fire Service for assistance and people [commuters on the highway] won’t even stop to render assistance to the injured,” Hughes said.
Rehum’s wife was in shock. She said that she received a call about the tragedy around 9:55 am, just as she was preparing to go to work. She said Rehum provided a transportation service on the Georgetown- Linden route and was carrying passengers yesterday.
Patterson of Kuru Kururu, a 67-year-old vendor who would purchase items to sell back was also a passenger in the car that was heading to Linden. His daughter, Chelsie Patterson related that her nepher told her about the accident.
Three members of a family are among the injured: a grandmother, Roseann Bumbury, a grandfather, Aubrey Ghanie, and their granddaughter, Ashana Ramsammy, 11-years-old. Ghanie and Bumbury are hospitalized in critical condition at the GPH, while Ashana is said to be in a stable condition at the GPH.
Bumbury’s daughter, Bibi Ghanie, related that her family were passengers in one of the vehicles and was heading to Linden to spend some time with her brother. Bibi said that her injured niece related that in the Long Creek area, another car was seen coming from the opposite direction. The car her family was in slowed but the other car failed to slow or stop, colliding with the car her family was in.
The Department of Education in Region #10 yesterday in a press release expressed condolences to the families of the two educators who lost their lives.
“It is with heavy hearts and deep sadness that we announce the passing of two esteemed educators of the Department of Education Region 10. Mr. Dwaylon Farrell, beloved GHOD – Industrial Technology at New Silvercity Secondary, and Ms. Rushell Leacock, esteemed GSM of Kwakwani Primary, have departed from our midst.” The release described Farrell as more than an educator; a mentor, guiding countless students through the intricacies of industrial technology and inspiring them to pursue their passions. “His dedication and expertise left an indelible mark on the New Silvercity Secondary community”, the release said.
Leacock-Jones was described as a pillar of strength at Kwakwani Primary and was renowned for her unwavering commitment to the holistic development of her pupils. Her infectious enthusiasm and nurturing spirit enriched the lives of all who crossed her path. “Their untimely departure leaves a void in our hearts and in the educational landscape of Region Ten (10).”
Meanwhile, Deputy Mayor of Linden, Dominique Blair, in a press release yesterday, while expressing his condolences to the affected families highlighted the urgent need to address safety concerns on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway.
“We cannot afford to wait for more lives to be lost before taking decisive steps to ensure the safety of all road users.” He said, “I first urge drivers to slow down and to always be careful. Additionally, I urge the government to prioritize the necessary infrastructure improvements and maintenance work on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway without delay. Enhancements such as improved signage, road markings, and lighting, as well as measures to address any hazardous conditions, are essential to prevent future accidents and protect the lives of our citizens.”
He continued, “As a community, we must come together to support the affected families during this difficult time and to advocate for the changes needed to prevent such tragedies from occurring again. Let us work collaboratively to make our roads safer for everyone.”
