By Mark DaCosta-A tragic incident unfolded on the night of Monday, August 12, 2024, along the Jawbone Backdam Trail in the North West District (NWD) of our country, resulting in the death of a 29-year-old resident of Matthews Ridge, Region One. The deceased, identified as Horman Bumbery, succumbed to injuries after a motor tractor he was riding in toppled over, pinning him beneath it.
According to the police, the incident occurred as Bumbery, along with 35-year-old driver Anzel Ashby and 31-year-old Leon Meadas, were heading towards Jawbone Backdam. Both Ashby and Meadas are also residents of Matthews Ridge. The trio were travelling in a tractor with Bumbery seated on the left-side fender and Meadas on the right-side fender. As the vehicle descended a hill, it struck a pothole, causing the left-side front and rear wheels to sink, which led to the tractor tipping over onto its left side.
The impact of the accident left Bumbery trapped under the vehicle while Ashby was also pinned but managed to escape with minor injuries. Meadas, who was thrown off the tractor, suffered injuries to his left foot and ribs. He was assisted by a passerby and transported to the Baramita Cottage Hospital, where he was admitted in serious condition.
The Jawbone Backdam Trail, like many in the NWD, is known for its treacherous terrain, with deep potholes and steep inclines that pose a constant danger to those who traverse it.
Police were summoned to the scene around 22:15 hrs. By the time they arrived, both Bumbery and Ashby had been removed from under the tractor by public-spirited individuals. Despite efforts to save him, Bumbery was pronounced dead upon arrival at the Baramita Cottage Hospital. His body has since been transported to the Port Kaituma Hospital Mortuary, where it awaits a post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death.
Ashby, who was found to have no alcohol in his system, was treated and discharged from the hospital. He is currently in police custody, assisting with the ongoing investigation into the accident.
In the aftermath of this tragedy, Meadas was medevaced to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) for advanced medical treatment due to the severity of his injuries. His condition remains serious.
This unfortunate accident has reignited discussions around the safety of transportation in our interior regions, where rough and poorly maintained trails are a daily reality for residents. The dangers posed by these conditions highlight the urgent need for infrastructural improvements in these remote areas.
As the investigation continues, the family and friends of Horman Bumbery are left to mourn the loss of a young life cut short by what appears to be a preventable tragedy. The incident serves as a sombre reminder of the risks faced by those who live and work in the hinterlands of our nation.
