A collision at the intersection of Middle Road, La Penitence and Hunter Street in Georgetown early this morning caused severe traffic congestion as commuters travelling from the East Bank Demerara and other parts of the city encountered major delays.
The collision occurred at about 5:45 a.m. and involved a Tacoma, registration GAH 8111, and a Fielder motorcar, registration PYY 4044.
The driver of the Tacoma was travelling north along Hunter Street in his lane when the Fielder, which was travelling south, suddenly veered into his path.
The Tacoma’s driver said he noticed the motorcar approaching from a distance and appeared to be travelling into his lane. He said he began blowing his horn loudly in an effort to alert the other driver, but the motorist did not respond.
The Tacom’s driver told persons at the scene that he believed the Fielder driver had fallen asleep and lost control of the vehicle.
Persons at the scene said the driver of the Fielder appeared to be intoxicated or otherwise impaired.
As police were awaited, residents and other motorists gathered around the damaged vehicles, expressing anger over the circumstances surrounding the collision, saying the situation could have resulted in serious injuries or fatalities.
One resident questioned why the driver, if he knew he was incapacitated, did not pull off at a corner and sleep rather than continue driving.
Another resident, who lives along the roadway, said the incident could easily have involved him and his children had they been outside or near the roadside.
The crash also created significant disruption for motorists, with traffic backing up along routes leading from the East Bank Demerara and from further into Georgetown.
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