Twelve year old Kayla Barnabas was struck down today around 15:45hrs by a police pick up bearing registration number GXX 6575 at Goed Fortuin, West Bank Demerara.
According to a Police report, the corporal who drove the pickup was proceeding south along the eastern side of the road when it was alleged that the schoolgirl ran from east to west across the road in the path of the pickup.
However, Kayla’s mother, Somatee Lildar- Barnabas told MTV News Update she does not believe a bit of this. She said that she "always warn (her) daughter to be careful on the road."
An eye witness who was on the scene and opted to remain anonymous also claimed that Kayla was standing on the pedestrian crossing and a car stopped and the driver put on his hazard lights to let her cross the road. The eye witness alleges, the police vehicle which was speeding, overtook the halted vehicle and struck down the girl as she attempted to cross the road.
The grieving mother said when she received the news of her daughter's death she was shocked and in disbelief and is still trying to come to grips with her reality. She rushed to the West Demerara Regional Hospital (Best) where her daughter was pronounced dead on arrival.
Kayla has been described as a fun, loving, and intelligent girl. Her mother said she was very determined in her studies and was aspiring to become a doctor.
Kayla's mother is calling for justice to be served. The family is also attempting to get surveillance footage from the area where the accident took place.
Meanwhile, Education Minister Priya Manickchand who visited the family members offered her condolences and assured that an impartial investigation will be done.
Police are currently investigating the matter.
Comments