A 25-year-old Chaguanas man yesterday survived an accident after his van slammed into a median near Grand Bazaar, Valsayn but as he emerged from the wreck he was hit by a truck.
Seconds later, another vehicle hit him, throwing his body into the roadway and a fourth vehicle ran over the victim’s body. The man, identified as Rennie Sookdeo, the manager of Cham’s welding shop in Chaguanas, was returning home after celebrating a friend’s birthday party in Chaguaramas.
The accident took place around 4 am while Sookdeo was driving along the Churchill Roosevelt Highway near Grand Bazaar. Officers who were first on the scene described it as “gruesome” and “unusual.” Sookdeo’s family, who live on Caroni Savannah Road, were in shock when the Guardian team visited.
They described Sookdeo as well-liked by employees at the welding shop which his father owned. Relative Kerry Maharaj said Sookdeo was pleasant but quiet and respected by many. Northern Division Police are still investigating the accident.
In a second fatal accident two hours earlier, Chaguanas police are questioning a St Augustine man, following the death of 68-year-old Una Belgrave. The man, a 28-year-old businessman, driving a Mercedes Benz, reportedly left the scene after the accident. Three other people in the Ford Laser were injured.
Hours later he went to the Chaguanas Police Station with his attorney to give a statement. He was given a breathalyzer test which he initially failed.
While awaiting the second test he reportedly complained of feeling unwell and was taken to the Chaguanas Health Facility. He remained in police custody up to press time being questioned by investigators.
The accident took place at around 2 am, as Belgrave returned from a friend’s wake in South Trinidad. Belgrave lived on Church Street in St Thomas Village, Chaguanas. At her family home yesterday family members were red-eyed and crying, unable to cope with their loss.
Belgrave’s son, who stood under a tent in the family’s yard, set up for his mother’s wake, could only shake his head at the tragedy. Belgrave’s nephew, an ASP in the Police Service, Wendell Lucas expressed his sorrow in a post on social media.
Lucas stated that only three weeks ago, at a police press briefing, he warned drivers to exercise caution on the nation’s roads. According to police, the Laser was heading north towards Chaguanas when a black Mercedes Benz reportedly overtook on the shoulder of the highway and collided with the Laser.
The Mercedez Benz overturned on the roadway and the Laser ran off the road, police said. Belgrave’s body was flung from the car and she died at the scene. An ambulance arrived shortly after and took the three other occupants of the vehicle for medical treatment at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex in Mt Hope.
A third vehicle, a white Toyota Fielder, driven by SRP Police Constable Mayers, was also struck. The road fatality toll now stands at 125.
Speed mixed with alcohol: A poisonous cocktail
In an interview last night, Arrive Alive president Sharon Inglefield said people needed to be responsible for their own safety and obey the speed limit. “We look forward to the speed management legislation and the revamping of Motor Vehicle Authority to assist our police enforcers to control the recklessness on our roads,” Inglefield said.
She reminded citizens to plan ahead by designating a sober driver or organising a taxi before events. “Speed does kill and certainly speed mixed with alcohol is a poisonous cocktail.”
Inglefield thanked Works and Transport Minister Fitzgerald Hinds for attending the group’s event at the Queen’s Park Savannah yesterday.
Last week, co-ordinator of the Road Safety Project, Brent Batson, said the TTPS continued to appeal to road users to drive safely, especially as most people are looking forward to spending the Christmas holidays with their families. “We continue to appeal to all road users to obey the highway code, the speed limit and practise safe and courteous driving,” Batson said.