Two die after truck slips off “rotten” bridge into creek on Lethem trail

Last Updated on Tuesday, 24 October 2023, 22:02 by Denis Chabrol

Two persons lost their lives Monday evening when the truck they were travelling in on the Lethem trail slipped off a rotten bridge and fell into a creek, police said Tuesday night.

Those who perished were the truck driver, 29-year old Orlando King of North Rupununi and occupant, Orin Fraser, of Tucville, Georgetown.

The Guyana Police Force said the truck, bearing licence number GXX 5420, fell off the bridge in the vicinity of Canopy Bridge and into the creek which is about 25 feet below. Investigators were informed that “the boards were reported to be rotten”.

“The Lorry landed on the top and submerged under water, trapping the driver and occupant in the cabin. The driver and occupant were pulled from the cabin of the lorry by public-spirited citizens and Police ranks in an unconscious state,” police added.

They were transported in a police pickup to Annai Health Centre where a doctor pronounced them dead. The bodies were escorted to Lethem Regional Hospital’s Mortuary.