Latest update February 10th, 2025 2:25 PM
Brazilian Diplomat killed in head on collision at Lethem
A Brazilian Diplomat was killed yesterday when a Brazilian registered taxi crashed head on into the car he was driving along the roadway at Lethem.
The two cars that were involved in the accident.
Vice Consul Theotonio Santa Cruz Oliveira, 61, who was stationed at Lethem for the past five years, was pronounced dead on arrival at the Lethem hospital where he was rushed after he and three other passengers were pulled from his car.
According to the police, Oliveira was driving his vehicle heading to Bon Fin, in neighbouring Brazil at about 07:10 hours yesterday when his car collided with another car that was proceeding in the opposite direction and which had allegedly veered into his driving lane.
Three other persons, 32 year old Kasslyn Singh and her baby, Gracelyn Nicholson, all Guyanese, who were occupants of the Diplomat’s vehicle received injuries and are recovering at the Lethem Hospital.
The driver of the other motor vehicle, who is a Brazilian National, also received injuries and was subsequently sent back across the border to be treated.
From all indications, speeding on the part of the other driver was responsible for Oliviera’s death.
A source in Lethem told this newspaper that the accident occurred just off a bend in the road.
The source explained that Brazilians drive on the right hand side of the road while in Guyana, motorists use the left.
He suggested that the Brazilian taxi driver apparently did not adjust to the status of driving in Guyana, and veered onto the right hand side of the road after rounding the bend.
Lethem Councillor Terrence Boston in an invited comment told a media representative that there is an urgent need for speed limit signs to be posted in the area as well as signs warning foreigners that Guyanese drive on the left hand side of the road instead of on the right.
However, a police contact at Lethem expressed surprise at the way the accident occurred.
He stated that the taxi driver is familiar with the way the road is used in Guyana, since he frequently crosses the border into this country with passengers.
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