Four people were killed and three others injured on Friday night after a motor car carrying seven occupants crashed into the rear of a Guyana Defence Force (GDF) truck at Long Creek on the Soesdyke–Linden Highway.
The accident occurred at approximately 8:45 p.m. on October 23 and involved motor car PZZ 8392 and GDF lorry DFB 1788, according to the Guyana Police Force.
The deceased were identified as Egburt Blair, 55, of Half Mile, Wismar, Linden, who was driving the car; Tevin Thompson, 30, of One Mile, Wismar; Dannel Darrell, 28, of Block 22, Wismar; and Eon Jarvis, 40, of Wismar, Linden.
Police said preliminary investigations indicated that the GDF truck was travelling south along the highway, with the car following behind in the same direction.
“The driver of motor car #PZZ 8392 reportedly lost control of the vehicle and collided with the rear portion of the motor lorry,” the police statement said, as quoted by INews Guyana.
Police also reported that the car was allegedly travelling at a fast rate of speed before the collision.
All seven occupants of the car sustained injuries and were taken to the Linden Hospital Complex, where Blair, Thompson, Darrell and Jarvis were pronounced dead on arrival.
The three surviving passengers—a 43-year-old woman from Rainbow City, Mackenzie; a 45-year-old man from Block 22, Wismar; and a 40-year-old man from Green Valley, Wismar—were admitted for medical treatment, according to the police report.
Mayor expresses condolences
Linden Mayor Dominique Blair has expressed condolences to the families of the deceased, describing the incident as a painful reminder of the fragility of life.
In a social media post following the accident, the mayor reflected on the grief experienced by the families and the wider community.
“Last night was a painful reminder of how precious and fragile life is. An accident in our community claimed the lives of four people, leaving families grieving and a community in mourning.”
Blair said the gathering of people at the hospital highlighted the shared grief and humanity surrounding the tragedy, urging residents to support those affected.
“Seeing so many people gathered at the hospital reminds us that, in moments of tragedy, we are all connected by our shared humanity. Let us continue to support one another, show compassion to the families affected, and keep them in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”
The mayor also urged residents to value their loved ones and look out for one another.
“Life is too precious to take for granted. Let us cherish our loved ones, look out for one another, and never forget that every life matters.”
He concluded by extending condolences to the bereaved families, saying:
“May the souls of those who lost their lives rest in peace, and may their families find the strength and comfort to endure this heartbreaking loss.”
Questions surrounding the crash
The circumstances of the collision have also prompted questions about vehicle visibility and safety along the highway.
In a report published by Kiskadee Watch, a family friend of some of the occupants alleged that the truck was parked on the highway without functioning tail lights or reflector lights. Another account cited in the report suggested that the truck was moving and that the car’s driver may have attempted to overtake when an oncoming vehicle approached.
These accounts have not been confirmed by police. The full circumstances surrounding the collision remain under investigation, and the final cause has not been established publicly.
The Soesdyke–Linden Highway is a major link between the coast and Linden, carrying private vehicles, public transport and heavy-duty trucks. The fatal collision has renewed attention to road safety and the importance of visibility, particularly during night-time travel.
As the families mourn the four victims and the injured passengers receive medical care, the community is left grappling with the loss of four lives in a single crash.
