CORENTYNE, BERBICE – In a bizarre and horrifying tragedy that underscores the dangers of poorly maintained vehicles on Guyana’s roads, a 65-year-old pensioner, Donna Punch, was killed instantly after being struck by two dislodged rear wheels from a passing motor lorry on the Alness Public Road.
The fatal incident occurred on Sunday morning at approximately 9:45 AM. Police reports indicate that the victim, a resident of Alness Village, was standing at the roadside near a street corner when the motor lorry, driven by 35-year-old Divindranauth Seeram, approached traveling west.
Eyewitness accounts suggest the impact was unavoidable and sudden: the lorry’s two right-side rear wheels became completely dislodged from the vehicle and struck Donna Punch with devastating force. The pensioner collapsed onto the grass parapet, sustaining critical head and body injuries.
Public-spirited citizens rushed Punch to the Port Mourant Public Hospital, but a doctor pronounced her dead on arrival.
The incident throws a harsh spotlight on vehicle roadworthiness in Guyana and the grave consequences of maintenance failures.
The lorry driver, Divindranauth Seeram, has been taken into police custody and is reportedly cooperating with authorities as the investigation into the mechanical failure continues. The body of Donna Punch has been transferred to Ramoo’s Funeral Home, pending a post-mortem examination, while the community awaits answers regarding the vehicle’s roadworthiness.
