Police: Solomon Hochoy Highway deadliest accident site

THE Solomon Hochoy Highway, where Kaylee Poonan lost her life on August 20, has been deemed by the police as the deadliest location for road accidents and road deaths.

“Fifty-five (55) per cent of road deaths were on the highways with the deadliest being the Sir Solomon Hochoy Highway,” police traffic and road safety co-ordinator Brent Batson told Newsday.

He said 39 per cent of accidents occurred on the main roads, with the Southern Main Road being the deadliest among them.

Six per cent of fatal accidents have taken place on the Priority Bus Route on the East-West Corridor.

“Pedestrians accounted for the largest portion of road traffic deaths, with 44 per cent of road fatalities, with over 42 per cent occurring on highways, roads,” Batson explained.

With a 13 per cent increase in road fatalities to date, Batson said the tragic death of Poonan, 18, should be an eye-opener for drivers, especially young ones, and for them to reduce their speed.

Batson said excessive speed seemed to be the common factor in most of the road accidents, along with unnecessary risks.

The road death figure as of August 22, 2024 stood at 71, compared to 63 for the corresponding period in 2023.

Saddened that police warnings seemed to fall on deaf ears, Batson said that would not deter police from doing their part to stop the road carnage.

Poonan of Peterloo Street, Friendship Village, Golconda, became the latest road fatality on August 20. She was a front-seat passenger in a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, driven by her boyfriend Navin Bedassie, 19, of Pundit Street, Debe.

Around 6.30 pm, the driver reportedly skidded off the road, causing the car to crash into a lamppost along the Sir Solomon Hochoy Highway, a short distance before the Papourie overpass.

Fire services were called to remove the two from the mangled wreck, but only Bedassie survived. Poonan had no vital signs when she was removed from the car, which was said to be “suped-up” for speed.

Bedassie was taken to the San Fernando General Hospital where he underwent emergency surgery.

A man who answered a phone call to his family on Thursday, said Bedassie was in a stable condition and that his parents were with him. He said it was likely Bedassie would be discharged soon. He asked Newsday to call back but the calls were later declined. In an interview with another media house, Bedassie’s mother Wahida Ramjass said her son was not speeding.

Batson said surviving families were the ones who paid the price when their loved ones died in accidents.

“The TTPS (TT Police Service) wishes to express our condolences to the families on behalf of the commissioner of police.”

Batson said a team of highway patrol officers visited the families of Poonan and Bedassie on August 21.

“We did not visit only to express condolences, but to help persons understand when we are out there doing our jobs, especially in road traffic enforcement, it is to prevent these type of tragedies.

“We need the support of the public. We need the public to wake up and understand these incidents are preventable and drivers, especially the young ones and their parents need to pay more attention to how their children drive.

“Without a doubt, excessive speed, poor decision making – especially when you are engaging in dangerous overtaking ...people taking unnecessary chances, are all contributory factors.”

Batson said the police would continue with their enforcement efforts to determine interventions to reduce accidents.

Police statistics showed that the 71 road deaths occurred from 66 accidents. Of this figure, 22 were drivers, 12 passengers, 32 pedestrians, four motorcyclist and one bicyclist.

More men lost their lives – 79 per cent, with 27 per cent between 25-34 years-old.

One minor death was reported.

The year 2023 ended with 102 road deaths and Batson is hoping the 2024 figure does not surpass last year’s.