One dead, another critical, after drunk driver slams into utility pole

By Royan Abrams

The Police in Berbice are investigating a fatal accident which took place on the Borlam Public Road, Corentyne.

The accident which occured last evening (Sunday March 12, 2017), has left one dead, one critical, and another under police guard at the New Amsterdam Public Hospital.

Dead is 23 year old Shazam Ismael of Portuguese Quarter, Port Mourant, Corentyne.

News Room understands that at about 20:15 last evening, 21 year old Devindra Seepersaud, also of Portuguese Quarter, Port Mourant, was proceeding east along the Borlam Public Road, in motor car PMM 865, allegedly at a fast rate, when lost control of the vehicle. Seepersaud was negotiating a turn when the incident occured.

The vehicle slammed into a utility pole, causing injuries to Ismael who was sitting in the front passenger seat of the motor car, and another passenger whose name was given as Anthony Ramlakhan. Ramlakhan is said to be 23 years old and resides at Canefield, East Canje, Berbice.

Following the collision, the three occupants were picked up by public spirited citizens and rushed to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital for medical attention.

However Ismael was pronounced dead on arrival, while Ramlakhan was moments ago transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital for further medical attention as he is still unconscious and his condition is listed as critical.

When the News Room visited the New Amsterdam Hospital, the driver of the motor car, Seepersaud was flocked by family members. He is currently under police guard after a breathalyzer test was conducted on him and he was found to have over 100 microgram of alcohol in his system.

At this point it is not clear whether or not the other passengers were intoxicated but the News Room learnt that they were all friends.

Investigations are ongoing.