Chinese national dies after speeding minibus crashes into compound

A 59-year-old man is now dead after a minibus crashed into him by ploughing through a fence in the vicinity of the roundabout, close to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri.

The dead man has been identified as Gao Zhen Jin, a Chinese national attached to R. Bassoo Building and Civil Engineering Contracting compound at Timehri.

Police Headquarters confirmed the accident, which occurred at about 19:30hrs Wednesday on the Timehri Public Road, East Bank Demerara.

According to the police, the Route 44 minibus, BYY 7852, which was driven by Godfrey Collins, 34, of Middle Walk, Golden Grove, East Coast Demerara, was proceeding east along the northern side of the public road, at a fast rate of speed.

“Whilst in the vicinity of the roundabout, the driver failed to slow down and turn left, and instead drove straight across the road into the R. Bassoo compound, which is situated on the eastern side of the road. The compound is secured with a zinc fence,” the police explained.

As a result, the minibus collided with Jin, who was standing in front of the building.

The Chinese national was rushed to the Diamond Hospital in an unconscious condition; he was pronounced dead.

The driver has been taken into police custody, as investigations continue.