By Khamisi Slowe
An electrician was crushed to death yesterday on Sheriff Street after two speeding trucks came into contact with each other and one careened into a house and the other was left precariously perched over a trench after piercing a water main.
Family and friends of Carlton Smartt, 42, were left in deep mourning. According to his friend Ramdeo Kumar, Smartt was on his way to Beacon Roti on Sheriff Street to resolve an issue.
The horrific accident occurred at around 6:15 am. It was stated that the two drivers were taken to the hospital. The ownership of the trucks has not been established.
When Stabroek News visited the scene of the accident several witnesses reported that the accident involved two sand trucks. One truck with licence plate GAH 5183, was crossing Sheriff Street at Dennis Street and struck the other truck, licence plate GAH 8008 which was travelling north on Sheriff Street. The impact was catastrophic, causing one truck to crash into a building (Green House apartment complex) housing approximately 15 to 20 Venezuelans. No one from the apartment complex was injured. However, it was reported that a food van which was parked at the front of the building was smashed in. Meanwhile the other truck veered off towards a nearby canal, damaging a GWI pipeline in the process.
The chaos extended beyond the two trucks. Around eight other vehicles in the vicinity were damaged. Among them was vehicle—licence plate PZZ 1556—which was parked at the corner, east of Dennis Street.
A resident who lives in the vicinity of the crash site explained what happened.
“I was in my kitchen at the time and heard this zooming sound. I looked up and saw flashes on my ceiling,” she recounted. “Before I knew it, I heard a bang. I immediately ran outside to my veranda and that’s when I saw the two trucks—one crashed into that guest house across the road and the other one, blue and white, was in the canal. The one that crashed into the guest house was the one that killed the man”, she said.
According to his family, Smartt had recently relocated from Linden due to travel constraints, He leaves to mourn his wife Anona Smartt, his 12-year-old son Jonathon Smartt, and his 4-year-old daughter Alaina Smartt. He was employed with Bassoo Construction for approximately 15 years, where he was known not just for his skills as an electrical contractor but for his dedication to his craft and commitment to providing for his family.
Friends and neighbours described Carlton as much more than a neighbour. “He was a brother, a true friend, and a genuinely good man. I’m in total shock,” one neighbour said, adding “he was a devoted father and husband, a man who always put his family first.”
Ramdeo Kumar said. “I found out Mr. Carlton Smartt had been run down by the truck driver that jumped Sheriff Street. It’s heartbreaking.” He went on to share that Carlton was on his way to Beacon Roti to resolve an issue before heading to Beacon Cafe.
“He was doing what he loved, working to provide for his family,” Kumar said.
“Guyana is poorer for electricians due to this loss,” he lamented. “He was ten electricians in one; I could leave him anywhere on the premises without a worry. He had my back, as they say. This loss is unimaginable for his young family.”
Major damage was also caused to one of the transmission mains operated by Guyana Water Inc., leading to a disruption of water service in several surrounding areas. Affected areas included Subryanville, Newtown, Kitty, Lamaha Gardens, Campbellville and Prashad Nagar.
The Guyana Power and Light Inc also reported that as a result of the early morning accident customers in sections of Georgetown suffered interruptions.
Only on Monday, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill was confronted by residents at Stanleytown, West Demerara about the rampage of trucks through their communities causing damage to roads and shaking up the foundations of their houses. Edghill had promised that action would be taken and that 200 clamps for trucks had been acquired.
Yesterday, Edghill issued a statement commiserating with the family.
“It is with profound sadness that I address the tragic accident that occurred earlier today on Sheriff Street. On behalf of the Ministry of Public Works, I extend my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the gentleman who tragically lost his life. Our thoughts and prayers are also with those who were injured, and we fervently hope for their swift and complete recovery.
“This devastating incident serves as a stark and painful reminder of the fragility of life on our roads and the catastrophic consequences that can result from reckless driving.
“As a government, we remain steadfast in our commitment to enhancing the nation’s infrastructure and improving road safety for all. The Sheriff-Mandela Road upgrades and the Lamaha-Dennis Street corridor, where this unfortunate accident occurred, were developed as part of our broader strategy to modernize Guyana’s transportation network. These projects integrate critical safety features, including traffic lights, clearly marked lanes, pedestrian crossings, and traffic signs, all aimed at promoting orderly and safe travel”, he said.
He added that preliminary investigations indicate that multiple violations contributed to this accident:
Excessive Speeding – Reports suggest the trucks involved were traveling significantly above the speed limit, increasing both the likelihood and severity of the crash.
Disregard for Traffic Signs – Failure to adhere to signals at the intersection undermined the safeguards intended to protect road users.
Overloaded Vehicle – The truck’s excessive load compromised its ability to maneuver safely and stop effectively.
Improper Lane Usage – A lack of lane discipline exacerbated the risk, adding to the chaos that resulted in the crash.
Failure to Yield to Pedestrians – The reckless driving behavior endangered vulnerable road users, with tragic consequences.
Up to press time there had been no statement by the police force on the accident.
