Confusion erupted at the Fort Wellington and Mahaicony Cottage Hospitals as relatives rushed to the locations upon receiving information about an accident involving three minibuses this morning (Thursday, May 04, 2017).
One of the minibuses was transporting primary, nursery and play school students.
Although those injured have not yet been identified, the News Room understands that 29 persons were injured in the three vehicular accident, 15 adults and 14 children.
According to information received, at about 08:00 hours on Thursday, minibus BHH 5558 was heading east along the Rising Sun Public Road, West Coast Berbice (WCB), when minibus BNN 8359 which was allegedly proceeding at a fast rate, collided with its rear. The impact caused the first minibus to topple several times before colliding with another minibus which was parked and picking up the students at the time.
News Room was told that the parked minibus then toppled several times as well, before coming to a halt. Persons who witnessed the accident rushed to the scene to render assistance to the injured students and other passengers. The victims were rushed to the Fort Wellington and Mahaicony Cottage Hospitals.
Carvin Wilson, conductor of minibus BHH 5558 said the driver which slammed to his minibus was distracted at the time of the incident. He related that that driver was on his cellular as he was seen putting aside the phone when he made a sudden turn into the rear end of his vehicle.
Up to press time, the News Room was informed that six children were rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital for additional treatment.
According to the Ministry of Health, the six children are students of Dr Rohan Private School in Region 5. The students’ injuries ranged from trauma to the head to non-life-threatening injuries to the neck and the lower parts of their bodies.
The youngest of the injured is only three years old.
Additionally, eight students were admitted to the Mahaicony Cottage Hospital for observations.
The drivers of the three vehicles were taken into custody for questioning.
Investigations are ongoing.
