Motorcyclist and teen pillion rider die in early-morning crash

Police in East Berbice are investigating a fatal accident that occurred at about 01:40 hrs Sunday on the No. 11 Public Road, which claimed the lives of a motorcyclist and his pillion rider.

The crash involved motor car HC 4710, driven by 48-year-old Madray Ramsammy of Lancaster Village, Corentyne, and motorcycle CP 8880, owned and ridden by 29-year-old Kris Ramphal of Lot 97 Fyrish Village, Corentyne. His pillion rider has been identified as 18-year-old Malcolm Pirtan of Lot 135 Fyrish Village.

According to police, enquiries revealed that Ramsammy was driving east along the northern drive lane when he encountered the motorcycle approaching from the opposite direction. It is alleged that the motorcycle was being ridden at a fast rate, without a headlight, and that both Ramphal and Pirtan were not wearing safety helmets.

Ramsammy told investigators that the motorcycle was in his lane, and despite swerving right in an attempt to avoid a collision, the motorcycle slammed into the left front side of his car on the northern drive lane.

The impact caused both Ramphal and Pirtan to be flung onto the northern side of the roadway, where they sustained severe injuries. Public-spirited citizens rushed them to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital, but doctors pronounced both men dead on arrival. Their bodies are now at the Arokium Funeral Home, awaiting post-mortem examinations.

Police ranks who responded to the scene arrested Ramsammy, who was taken into custody at the Central Police Station as investigations continue.