Update: Cyclist killed in ‘Christmas Tree’ accident

A 64-year-old cyclist was Wednesday morning killed after he was struck down by a truck, in an accident that also caused some damage to the famous Christmas Tree at the Rahaman’s Park Junction on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD).

Seeram Seecharran of Herstelling, EBD was crossing the road in the pouring rain when he collided with the container truck, bearing registration number GWW 7629.

The incident occurred around 08:45hrs, when heavy-duty vehicles are not supposed to be traversing the East Bank corridor in keeping with an order by Traffic Chief, Linden Isles.

It was heading to Georgetown when it collided with the elderly man.

Reports indicate that Seecharran was heading in the same direction but suddenly attempted to cross the road when he ended up in the path of the lorry.

Upon seeing the pedal cyclist, the truck driver swerved further west in a bid to avoid a collision but the right side front of the vehicle came into contact with the elderly man.

The cyclist was thrown off his bike and landed on the road surface where he received injuries about his body. The motor lorry then collided with the Christmas Tree located on the island situated at Rahaman’s Park.

The cyclist was pinned under the truck for a while before he was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The driver is currently in custody assisting with the investigation.

Meanwhile, Ray Rahaman, the businessman who organises the Annual Christmas Tree Light-up, says all efforts will be made to have the tree repaired in time for the event this Friday.