A catastrophic chain-reaction collision on the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge has claimed one life and left another critically injured, with investigators now examining both mechanical failure and potential licensing irregularities. The Thursday morning incident occurred when a large goods vehicle experienced sudden mechanical failure, triggering a devastating backward roll into oncoming traffic.
According to official statements from the Guyana Police Force, the tragedy unfolded at approximately 9:45 AM when lorry GAC 296, operated by a 23-year-old driver from Anna Catherina, lost propulsion while ascending the westward carriageway. Preliminary investigations indicate the vehicle came to an abrupt halt before rolling backward into multiple vehicles traveling behind it in the same lane.
The confirmed fatality has been identified as 24-year-old Scott Dorwart of Grove, East Bank Demerara, who died instantly at the scene. Another occupant of the same vehicle, also 23 and from Anna Catherina, sustained serious injuries and remains hospitalized at Georgetown Public Hospital under medical supervision.
Law enforcement authorities have taken both the driver and the 55-year-old owner of the malfunctioning lorry into custody for questioning. While standard alcohol screening placed the driver well below legal impairment limits at 0.003 micrograms, investigators are pursuing separate lines of inquiry regarding the validity of the operator’s commercial licensing credentials.
Unconfirmed reports suggest authorities are examining whether the young driver obtained his heavy vehicle authorization through proper channels or potentially circumvented standard requirements. Official protocols typically mandate extensive experience operating smaller vehicles before qualifying for lorry licensing, a progression that may not have been properly documented in this case.
The collision involved five additional vehicles beyond the initiating lorry, including minibus GSS 1249, motorcycle CM 335, pickup truck PAL 3390, and passenger car PXX 4240. All operators sustained varying degrees of injury though none beyond the initially reported critical case.
Forensic teams including police certification officers and crime scene investigators have commenced detailed examination of all vehicles involved, with particular focus on the allegedly defective lorry’s mechanical systems. The investigation continues as authorities work to determine the exact sequence of failures that led to this fatal infrastructure incident.