-Minister Edghill rejects claims linking Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge to tragedy

A TRAGIC multi-vehicle collision on the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge claimed the life of Scott Dorwart, a 24-year-old taxi driver of Grove, East Bank Demerara, on Thursday morning.

Dorwart, employed with Safe and Reliable Cabs, was the sole fatality at the time of the accident, which also left one person in serious condition and two others with minor injuries.

All injured parties are receiving medical attention.

The Ministry of Public Works confirmed that the incident involved a total of six vehicles, including a cement-laden truck and a motorcycle.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the accident was caused by a mechanical failure on the truck while it was ascending the bridge’s high span. The ministry was quick to dispel speculation that the vehicle was overweight, stating that records confirmed it had passed the axle load limit prior to crossing.

“The ministry wishes to categorically dismiss any rumors or misinformation suggesting that the truck involved was overweight. Verification of records confirms that the vehicle was weighed prior to crossing and successfully passed the axle load limit. The cause of the incident has been identified strictly as a mechanical malfunction,” the ministry noted.

Meanwhile, Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, emphasised the mechanical nature of the accident. “It is clear that the truck was defective,” he said, adding that the vehicle was operated by a driver who was reportedly not properly licensed.

Minister Edghill also dismissed concerns that the bridge itself was at fault, stating, “Categorically, it was no fault in the bridge.”

He noted that 18-wheelers and long haulers, carrying heavy cargo of up to 100 tons of equipment for the gas energy project, have crossed the bridge multiple times at slow speeds without incident.

Emergency services, including the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Fire Service, and ambulance personnel, responded promptly to the scene.

“I would like to express thanks to the various first responders—the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Fire Service, and the emergency medical teams operating with ambulances—who ensured that all individuals involved in this accident received prompt medical attention,” Minister Edghill added.

Specialised teams conducted a thorough cleanup of the bridge surface to remove debris and spilled cement, ensuring safety for motorists. Following the collision, the truck was moved to the western end of the bridge for further examination, with mechanical engineers and a senior ministry mechanic scheduled to produce an official report.

The minister expressed condolences to Dorwart’s family and extended thoughts and prayers to the injured. “Let me first of all express sympathy to the family of the individual that lost their life in this accident and also to express my thoughts and prayers to those who have been injured for their soon and speedy recovery,” Minister Edghill said.

Authorities have reiterated the importance of vehicle maintenance and roadworthiness.

Minister Edghill stressed, “Defective motor vehicles that cause accidents will have a problem. Now, we’ve had a loss of life. We’ve had injuries to several persons and damage to vehicles. Damage to public property will not go unnoticed. People who operate motor vehicles have a responsibility to ensure that their vehicles are serviceable, fit for road use, and is safe.”

He confirmed that any damage to the bridge caused by the collision would be assessed and repaired at the expense of the truck’s owner and operator.

Minister Edghill has assured the public that the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge is safe and fully open for use.

“The Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge is safe for use. It is open for use by all…,” he declared.

The ministry is urging motorists to exercise caution as officials investigate the full circumstances of the accident to prevent future occurrences.

Charges are expected to be laid against the truck driver.