Driver killed after fuel tanker topples

A fuel tanker on Sunday toppled on the Buck Hall Tapir Trail, Essequibo, killing 34-year old Atewick De Freitas of Kuru Kuru, Soesdyke Linden Highway.

Police said the incident occurred between 07:30hrs and 08:30hrs.

De Freitas was transporting fuel to the Aurora mine operated by Aurora Gold Mine (AGM) Inc. – a subsidiary of Guyana Goldfields Inc.- in Region Seven.

According to the company, the driver was employed by Trail Boss Interior Trucking Services Inc., which is contracted by AGM to transport fuel to its Aurora Mine.

The tanker was one of three heading to the Aurora Mine.

Police said initial investigations found that the vehicle was proceeding south along the trail at a fast rate when the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle which turned -turtle and went down a ditch. As a result, the driver was flung from the vehicle and sustained injuries about his body.

He was found in an unconscious state.

Following a report of the accident, AGM said its emergency response team visiter the site, where the Company’s medical officer reported that the driver had succumbed to his injuries.

The Company’s Interim Chief Executive Officer, Allen Palmiere, expressed condolences to the family and friends of De Freitas.

“We are deeply saddened by this tragic accident and our condolences go to his family. Our immediate focus is to support his family, friends and colleagues at this most difficult time,” Palmiere said.

AGM said safety is its highest priority and this is the first time that an accident of this nature has occurred while fuel is being transported off-site to Aurora.

The company along with the police have launched investigations into the cause of the accident.