Truck driver in accident with Traffic Chief charged, granted bail

Months after he crashed into a Guyana Police Force vehicle leaving now Traffic Chief Mahendra Singh and his driver injured, the 29-year-old truck driver was charged in January and later released on $50,000 bail.

Romel Benjamin of Lovely Lass Village, West Coast Berbice was charged for The accident that occurred around 06:15 hrs on August 02, 2023, on the Friendship Public Road, East Bank Demerara.

Magistrate Judy Latchman read the dangerous driving charge to Benjamin when he appeared at the Diamond Magistrate’s Court.

Benjamin pleaded not guilty and was remanded to prison.

At the second court hearing on February 08, 2024, Benjamin was granted $50,000 bail.

The case was further adjourned to April 08 when evidence was taken.

The matter is now set for continuation on May 10.

At the time of the accident, Benjamin was driving motor lorry, GAE 38, belonging to Ashoka Buildcon Limited of GUYSUCO Compound, La Bonne Intention, East Coast Demerara.

Singh and his driver, Police Constable Ellery Mason were in a force pickup, PAC 5254.

Reports revealed that the truck was reportedly speeding north along the western side of the public road while the Police vehicle, as part of a convoy on Presidential assignment, was proceeding in the opposite direction without flashlights and siren.

Police headquarters claimed that the truck started overtaking a line of traffic on the eastern side of the road and ended up in the path of the Police pickup. Then, the right side front of the truck collided with the right side front of the Police pickup vehicle.

Both vehicles received extensive damage.

Commander Singh and his driver received injuries, and they were both picked up by public-spirited citizens and taken to the Diamond Diagnostic Center. They were treated and subsequently discharged.