Speeding hearse collides with minibus

Jul 28, 2015 News

Every morning Mahaicony carpenter, Steve Solomon, would board a route 44 minibus and make his way to the city to ply his trade.
It would usually be a smooth ride along the East Coast Demerara thoroughfare for him. On occasions

Steve Solomon displays his injuries yesterday at the hospital.

there would be a few traffic hiccups.
On Saturday morning last, the father of two cheated death after a speeding hearse slammed into the minibus he was in. The accident occurred in the vicinity of the K&K Gas Station, Mahaica.
It is unclear whether there was a coffin on board at the time of the accident that brought traffic to a standstill.
Solomon, 32, of Perth Village, Mahaicony, is currently a patient at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), after he sustained a broken left hand and other minor injuries due to the impact of the collision.
His hand is currently in a cast.
He told Kaieteur News that there were six others in the minibus when the accident occurred. He was seated in the back seat along with another man.
Solomon recalled that a Canter truck was driving in front of the hearse. At the time, he said that the hearse lost control while overtaking the Canter truck and ended up crashing into the back of the minibus.
He also said that the bus toppled several times before coming to a halt. “A utility pole saved the bus from rolling overboard,” he added.
He said that he cannot remember how many times the bus toppled because the incident happened fast.
Solomon noted that he was still in a conscious state when an ambulance came and transported him to the Mahaicony Hospital. He was later referred to the GPHC, where he was admitted and underwent surgery for the hand. The carpenter said that the man seated next to him received minor injuries.
The remaining passengers managed to escape unhurt.
When Kaieteur News visited him yesterday, Solomon said that he is thankful for being alive. He said he is feeling pain in the broken hand, but thankful that he is able to walk, talk and do basic everyday activities for himself.
He has since praised doctors and nurses at the institution for their kind services.
Solomon also related that since the accident he has not seen or heard from the driver of the hearse. He was informed that the man was in police custody as investigations continue.