A sixth person has succumbed to his injuries in the horrific smash-up at Long Creek, Linden-Soesdyke Highway on Monday, which had already claimed the lives of five persons.
The sixth victim has been identified as 67-year-old Aubrey Ghanie, 67, of the Soesdyke-Linden Highway.
He reportedly died while receiving medical attention at the Georgetown Public Hospital on Wednesday. The other victims are Uranie Hall, Rushell Leacock, Rayhum Leacock, Clinton Patterson, and Dwalon Farrel.
The accident reportedly involved two motor cars PAF 6785, owned and driven by Rayhum Leacock, and PTT 8159, owned and driven by Dwalon Farell.
Police have said that PTT 8159 was heading to the mining town of Linden while the other vehicle was heading to Georgetown, and both were reportedly speeding.
As the vehicles were about to pass each other, Leacock reportedly lost control of his vehicle, and it crashed head-on into Farell’s vehicle, resulting in both vehicles being extensively damaged and the occupants therein sustaining severe injuries.
They were taken to the Linden Hospital Complex, where Rayhum Leacock, Clinton Patterson, Uranie Hall, Rushell Leacock, and Dwalon Farrel were pronounced dead on arrival.
The other four occupants: Asha Granum, Aubery Gandi, Rashana Burberry, and Ashana Rammacingo, were admitted to the hospital with severe injuries. They were later transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital with their conditions listed as critical.
However, two of the six victims – Dwalon Farrel of Herstelling, East Bank Demerara (EBD) and Rushell Leacock were teachers at the New Silver City Secondary School and Kwakwani Primary School respectively.
Following the accident, via the Education Department of Region 10, it was stated that Farrell was more than an educator – he was a mentor, guiding countless students through the intricacies of industrial technology and inspiring them to pursue their passions.
Leacock was renowned for her unwavering commitment to the holistic development of her pupils. Her infectious enthusiasm and nurturing spirit enriched the lives of all who crossed her path.
Meanwhile, Traffic Chief, Mahendra Singh reprimanded drivers for their reckless usage of the roadways, noting that the accident could have been avoided.
“It is an unfortunate loss and I think it is one that could have been prevented had drivers been responsible enough to recognise that it is not all about speed and to get people quickly where they want to go… they must recognise that they have a role to play to keep the passengers alive.”
Nevertheless, while sympathising with the aggrieved families who lost their loved ones, he urged other road users to take heed of what is happening on the roadway as a result of recklessness. As such, he called on them to be more responsible and contribute to safer roads across the country.
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