Teacher dies in minibus accident

Tineka Hicks, a 30-year-old teacher of Great Diamond, East Bank Demerara, died on Tuesday after the minibus she was in lost control and ended up in a drain. The accident occurred along the Diamond by pass road at about 08:30hrs. The minibus was being driven by a 52-year-old man from Diamond. Police Headquarters reported that two breathalyser tests were conducted but no trace of alcohol was found.

At the time of the accident, the road surface was wet due to heavy rainfall. While the driver was in the process of overtaking another vehicle, he allegedly lost control of the minibus, causing it to topple onto its right side, skid in a north-westerly direction and end up in a drain on the western side of the road.

As a result of the accident, six other occupants were injured but Hicks was pinned inside the minibus. Emergency Medical Technicians were summoned and Hicks was examined by a doctor on duty and pronounced dead at the scene.

The six other occupants, comprising three students and three adults, were conveyed to the Diamond Regional Hospital, where they were seen and examined by doctors on duty, treated and sent away.

The minibus driver is presently in police custody assisting with investigations.

Investigations are ongoing.