A Tuschen cane-cutter was on Monday struck down by a sand truck and later died at the West Demerara Regional Hospital.

Dead is Mohamed Shameer of Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo. According to reports, Shameer, 51, was heading home on his bicycle when the truck struck him from behind. Although he was flung some distance away and suffered a broken foot, Shameer was conscious and tried to flag down the truck but it drove away without rendering assistance. A passing hire-car driver took him home and then to the hospital. On the way to the hospital, he stopped at the Leonora Police Station to make a report.

The victim’s daughter, Shaleeza Shameer, accompanied him to the hospital and he was able to describe the truck to her and also to the police. She told Stabroek News that at no time during the ride to the hospital did her father say he was in pain. On arrival at the hospital the broken foot was examined and dressed. Shaleeza said after being taken for an x-ray examination, her father was carried to a room and she waited for the results outside. The woman said arrangements were also being made for him to be transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital and as soon as she received the results, she went to his room only to discover that he had died. She said the nurses later told her that he had suffered internal bleeding.

Police arrested two persons in connection with the incident but they have reportedly denied involvement. Relatives said the owner of the truck also visited their home and denied that the truck was involved though the police knew the truck’s licence plate number. This newspaper was told that the men will be charged shortly.

Shameer leaves to mourn his wife, Bibi Lellia Shameer, two children and other relatives. He was described as a “quiet, loving person”. His funeral will take place today.