Driver in Soesdyke smash-up escapes custody, surrenders day later

Dead: Collin Bourne
Dead: Collin Bourne

One of the two drivers who were involved in Sunday’s three-vehicle accident, which claimed the life of motorcyclist Collin Bourne, yesterday surrendered to the police, one day after escaping from a police lockup where he was being detained.

Traffic Chief Linden Isles, yesterday confirmed with Stabroek News that the driver of one of the minibuses, PHH 3467, which was involved in the accident, escaped from the Madewini Police Outpost on Tuesday.

He said the man is now back in custody, after he surrendered to the police yesterday in the company of an attorney.

Isles said the other driver, who was also detained, has since been placed on station bail, as the investigation continues.

He added that two ranks who were on duty at the time of the escape, remain under close arrest. “An investigation has been launched and when that is completed it will determine what action will be taken,” Isles said.

The two drivers were taken into custody on Sunday evening, following an accident along the Soesdyke Public Road, East Bank Demerara (EBD).The accident, which occurred around 10.15 pm, claimed the life of Bourne, 22, a resident of Lot 91 Timehri Prison Area, EBD.

Reports are that Bourne lost his life after his motorcycle allegedly collided with one of the minibuses, before being struck down by another.

The police, in a press statement, had said investigations revealed that at the time of the accident, minibus PHH 3467, was proceeding south along the eastern carriageway of the road, reportedly at a fast rate, while minibus BVV 5802 and Bourne, were proceeding in the opposite direction.

Bourne reportedly overtook BVV 5802 and while on the eastern carriageway, he collided with PHH 3467, the statement noted.

As a result of the impact, Bourne fell onto the roadway and into the path of minibus BVV 5802, which then struck him.

Both of the drivers, the police had said, were subjected to breathalyser tests, which determined that the driver of PHH 3467 was above the legal breath alcohol limit.