Timehri woman, GDF corporal injured in East Bank crash

A smash-up between two vehicles including a Route 42 minibus yesterday morning along the Herstelling Public Road, East Bank Demerara has left one woman seriously injured and a Guyana Defence Force (GDF) corporal nursing minor injuries.

Injured are Shelly Thompson, 50, of Lot 334 Timehri, East Bank Demerara whose right foot was severely crushed and GDF Corporal Travis Pollard, 34, of Lot 105 Anna Catherina, West Coast Demerara. They were both passengers of the minibus.

The two vehicles minibus BTT 8079 and motor lorry GVV 6306 after the accident.
The two vehicles minibus BTT 8079 and motor lorry GVV 6306 after the accident.

They were both taken to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre where Pollard remained a patient while Thompson was transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital. Her condition was listed as stable but critical.

An investigation has since been launched into the accident and both the drivers were taken into custody for questioning. The vehicles, especially the ‘pit bull’ minibus, were badly damaged.

Stabroek News understands that the accident occurred around 8 am yesterday. Reports revealed that both of the vehicles were travelling in the same lane heading to Georgetown at the time of the accident. The minibus BTT 8079 was on the western side of the lane while the motor lorry, GVV 6306 was on the eastern side of the lane.

The minibus which was slammed into a utility pole
The minibus which was slammed into a utility pole

Another minibus had reportedly stopped to put off passengers and BTT 8079 which was proceeding behind attempt to overtake that bus, but collided with the motor lorry. As a result of the impact, the minibus was slammed into a utility pole and both vehicles came to a halt.

When this newspaper arrived on the scene, persons were unable to relate exactly what had transpired prior to the accident but noted that the minibus had been speeding. The minibus was said to be transporting other passengers who manages to escape unhurt.

The Guyana Fire Service also had to be summoned to rescue the passengers who were pinned down in the minibus including Thompson.