The Sophia’s Lust neighborhood in Suriname witnessed a poignant silent procession on Saturday as residents gathered to memorialize victims of last week’s devastating bus accident that claimed five lives and left 21 injured. Organized collaboratively by community activists and grieving families, the solemn march drew dozens of participants who carried candles through the residential area in a powerful display of collective mourning.
The procession route intentionally passed by the homes of deceased community members, with participants pausing at each residence to offer condolences and emotional support to affected families. Winston Lamé, who lost his eldest sister in the tragedy, articulated the dual purpose behind the memorial event. “This march serves both as a call for improved road safety measures across Suriname and as moral support for bereaved families during this grieving process,” Lamé explained. “Essentially, all of Sophia’s Lust shares in this loss—approximately 80% of those involved in the accident hail from our community.”
In response to the tragedy, authorities have implemented immediate safety measures, constructing speed bumps along Veldhuizenlaan within 24 hours of the incident. The collision occurred when an unlicensed driver failed to yield right of way, striking the bus at the intersection of Veldhuizenlaan and Johannes Mungrastraat. The suspect driver has been taken into custody pending further investigation.
The community will continue its memorial observances with a collective prayer session scheduled for Sunday morning at 9:00 AM at the accident site, further demonstrating the neighborhood’s unified approach to healing and advocacy for improved traffic safety protocols.