Tractor operator dies

– after hit with wood in freak accident
A 33-year-old tractor operator of Pine Ground, Mahaicony Creek died after he received injuries to his head from a piece of wood in a freak accident around 10.30 am yesterday, while pulling lumber at Tiger Bird in the interior.

Tejnauth Panday known as ‘Maraj’ or ‘Pandit’ was rushed to the health centre in the area where he was pronounced dead by the medex.

His brother, Bhimsane Panday, 35, said his sibling was alone working when the tractor somehow got into contact with the wood which was flung to his head, causing him to be injured. The tractor apparently then swayed and hit a tree before coming to a halt.

Bhimsane who was operating another tractor a distance away said he only knew about the incident when other workers who were cutting logs close by ran and informed him.
He said they assisted in taking his brother to the health centre, but while on their way he appeared to have died.

According to Bhimsane, they left home since Friday and stayed at a camp belonging to their employer, Dennis Jagdeo, a lumber dealer of Mora Point.

The interior area where the brothers were working is located aback the Mahaicony Creek. The man said they would stay up to 12 days at the camp before returning home. They arrived home with the body about 5 pm yesterday.

Meanwhile police said in a press release that they were investigating the circumstances which led to Panday’s death early yesterday morning.

The release said the man was driving a tractor pulling logs in the area when a piece of wood which got entangled with a tree stump pitched, hitting him in his head. He subsequently died.
His body is awaiting post-mortem as investigations are continuing, according to the release.