Deadly ‘west side’ crash: Teen driver was racing

A 19-year-old old boy who was driving the vehicle that ploughed into three persons killing them on the spot on Monday night has been identified as Matthew David Aaron Ambedkar of Tuschen Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo.

The News Room understands that he is nursing multiple injuries at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

The accident occurred just before 22:00hrs on the De Willem public road, West Coast Demerara.

Police alleged that he was racing with another car (212 model) heading in the direction of Parika, EBE, when he lost control of his father’s Toyota Raum (PVV 1051), crashed into a parked SUV (PYY 9456) and then ploughed into three patrons of the Sharmila Harrykissoon Sports Bar.

Dead are 23-year-old Carlito Goobinlall, a Venezuelan national of De Willem; 41-year-old Kiram Rampersaud known as ‘Rocky’, a fisherman of Zeeburg, WCD; and 44-year-old Ayube Mohammed, a fisherman known as ‘Quarter’ of Meten-Meer-Zorg, WCD.

Eyewitnesses told the News Room that the impact sent one of the victims flying several feet away from the scene and he landed inside a drain.

His mangled body was later removed and placed inside a police pick-up with the other victims.

The News Room also understands that two other persons sustained injuries – Wazim Mohammed, an electrician of De Kinderen, WCD and another man identified thus far as ‘Joey.’

Police are expected to review several CCTV cameras in the area and will ascertain the driver of the other car that was racing. The sports bar is now left in a state of disrepair and the owner questioned who will pay him for the damage.

The driver of the parked SUV, 37-year-old Iaz Fizool of East Meten-Meer-Zorg, also questioned who will fix his car.

Meanwhile, Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn subsequently showed up at the scene and expressed his sympathy to the grieving families.

The Security Minister also lamented the many accidents that occurred since the year began and pleaded with road users to exercise care and caution.

Editor’s Note: The Guyana Police Force clarified on Tuesday that the driver was not under the influence of alcohol as was previously reported. “He was breathalyzed and no trace of alcohol was found in his breath,” the Force said in a release. This article has been modified to reflect such.