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By Mark DaCosta-The Guyana Police Force has served notices of intended prosecution to the two truck drivers involved in a deadly collision at the intersection of Sheriff and Dennis Streets in Georgetown on November 19. The tragic incident resulted in the death of 42-year-old Carlton Smartt, an electrical contractor, while the two truck drivers sustained injuries.
The accident occurred when one of the trucks, driven by 28-year-old Denzel Webb of Belfield, East Coast Demerara, failed to stop at a stop sign while approaching the intersection of Sheriff Street. Webb, who was travelling west on Dennis Street, collided with a second truck, driven by 26-year-old Emmanuel Henry of Lusignan, East Coast Demerara, who was heading north along Sheriff Street.
The impact of the collision caused Webb’s truck to veer out of control, crashing into several parked vehicles along Dennis Street before slamming into a utility pole and finally crashing into a nearby residential building. Tragically, the truck also struck Smartt, who had been jogging on the side of the road. He was pinned under the rear wheel of the truck and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The second truck, which had been travelling north on Sheriff Street, was also forced off course by the collision. It hit several parked cars before crashing into the front of a nearby building. Emergency services arrived at the scene, and both truck drivers were taken to the hospital. Webb was later discharged.
The crash caused widespread damage to infrastructure in the area, including the destruction of a Guyana Power and Light (GPL) utility pole and a water main operated by Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI). Security footage from nearby buildings captured the dramatic sequence of events, showing the trucks colliding at high speed and resulting in chaos on the busy streets.
The Guyana Police Force is continuing its investigation into the causes of the accident. Early reports suggest that breaches of traffic regulations contributed to the deadly accident.
The deceased, Carlton Smartt, a well-known electrical contractor, had reportedly been heading to a shop on Sheriff Street to carry out electrical work when he was struck by the out-of-control truck.
The incident has once again raised concerns about traffic safety in Georgetown. In the wake of the accident, many Guyanese have taken to social media to express frustration and anger with non-functional traffic lights, unlicensed or inexperienced drivers, lack of enforcement of traffic regulations, improperly or corruptly obtained licences, and other issues.
