Bartica accident victim’s condition worsens

Relatives of 28-year-old Bartica resident Terrence Hughes, who was admitted to the Georgetown Public Hospital last Friday following an accident there, are concerned that his condition has deteriorated.

The man’s uncle told this newspaper that Hughes had been complaining to the nurses and doctors since being admitted to the hospital about uncontrollable pain in his neck.

He said Hughes “started to act-up” on Wednesday evening and it was only after an x-ray was done to his neck, that the doctor recognized a fracture behind the man’s neck. The authorities then contacted the man’s mother who has been temporarily staying with relatives at Parika following the accident.

His mother, who was visibly upset yesterday, said she was concerned about her son’s health since she related he had been “recovering okay” since the accident but appeared in severe pain yesterday.

When Stabroek News spoke to the man on Sunday, he was able sit on his bed and chat with relatives. Hughes sustained most of his injuries to the right side of his body including a broken thigh, a broken hand and several cuts to his head.

Last Friday, Hughes, a carpenter of Potaro Road, was reportedly on his way to the Bartica Hospital to visit his pregnant wife when he was struck down by a minibus. His relatives told this newspaper that the man, after noticing two speeding minibuses travelling in his direction, dismounted his bicycle and was waiting for the two vehicles to pass him when he was struck down.

The driver of the bus was taken into police custody shortly after the incident but was reportedly released on station bail some time this week.