[UPDATED] Road fatalities stand at 115 after 2 die in Couva crash

WITH just two weeks before Christmas, the families and friends of two coworkers are grappling with the heartbreak of losing them in a car crash in Mc Bean Village, Couva, before dawn on December 12.

The victims, Andy “Dee Dee” Gibbs, 40, and Brendon Francois, both security officers employed by Allied Security Services Ltd, died at the scene on the Southern Main Road around 3 am.

Data from the Traffic and Highway Patrol Branch Roadway Surveillance Unit says these two road deaths now bring the road death toll for 2024 to 115. This figure represents a 21 per cent increase in road deaths compared to last year’s figure of 95 for the same period.

The police have once again urged drivers to exercise greater caution in light of this deadly crash.

A police statement said Gibbs was driving his Nissan Cefiro heading south, and as he neared McBean House of Prayer, he lost control, causing the car to crash into a concrete wall.

Gibbs and Francois, who was in the front seat, suffered fatal injuries.

The statement quoted Snr Supt of the Traffic and Highway Patrol Branch, Garvin Simon, as saying these preventable, tragic incidents continue to burden society with unnecessary and avoidable loss of human life.

“Drivers need to understand that a motor vehicle is similar to a powerful weapon that, if used irresponsibly, can seriously injure or kill the user and other persons,” Simon said.

“Christmas season is supposed to be a time of joy and family, not heartache and pain. My officers at the Traffic and Highway Patrol Branch will continue our relentless efforts in both enforcement and education,” he added.

However, he emphasised that road users must also do their part to ensure the safety of themselves, their passengers, and other road users.

He suggested they can help by doing several “simple things” such as obeying speed limits, wearing seatbelts and ensuring a sober, alert driver is always behind the wheel.

Simon added, “These little things go such a long way toward saving lives and keeping families together.”

On behalf of the police service, Simon offered condolences to the victims’ families and loved ones during this difficult time.

Gibbs, the father of two, lived in Claxton Bay, while Francois lived in Felicity, Chaguanas.

Couva fire officers had to use the hydraulic cutting device commonly called the "jaws of life" to cut through the mangled wreck to reach the bodies of both men.

W/Insp Reid and W/Cpl Charles from the Couva Police Station were among the first responders.

A statement from the Estate Police Association (EPA) took to Facebook to offer condolences.

“It is with deep sorrow that we bid farewell to two of our valued members, Andy Gibbs and Brendon Francois, who tragically lost their lives in the fatal accident in Couva this morning.”

The post added that Gibbs was the former chairman of the EPA's Allied Security Branch Board, and the association remembered him for his dedication and leadership.

“Brendon Francois was an active participant in the EPA's sporting activities, admired for his enthusiasm and commitment,” it added.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with their families, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. May their souls rest in peace.”

Gibbs was said to be a founding member of the group Nissan Cefiro of TT (NCTT).

A Facebook post in tribute to him said: “This morning, we received the heartbreaking news of the passing of Andy Gibbs, a founding member of NCTT. Andy's dedication and passion have been with us since the very beginning, making him an irreplaceable part of our journey.”

“To his family and loved ones, we offer our deepest condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.”

The “NCTT family” called on members to honour Andy’s memory by cherishing the moments they shared. “Rest in peace, Andy—you will always be remembered.”

A graphic video circulating on social media showed the mangled wreck, with Gibbs still alive and begging a passerby for help. The police said he died shortly afterward.

At Gibbs’ home on Gibbs Street in Claxton Bay, relatives and friends gathered and reminisced about fond times.

Sherwin “Rice” Toby, who said he was a relative, shared that Gibbs was also known as Mango Mouth and Puppy Dog. Toby, who was comical even in grief joked that Gibbs used to suck mangoes with a straw.

He said Gibbs was returning home from working a 12-hour shift, though he was unsure of the exact location where Gibbs worked.

Toby referred to Gibbs as a hardworking young man.

Newsday also spoke to Gibbs’ brother, Kendell Gibbs, by phone.

Kendell is on vacation in Venezuela and said the death had left many people in shock and grief.

He recalled that he last spoke to his brother about a week ago.

Kendell added that he was having problems finding a flight to return to Trinidad.

Like Toby, Kendell said he did not know the other victim.

Investigations are ongoing.

This story was originally published with the title "2 men killed in early-morning Couva crash" and has been adjusted to include additional details. See original post below.

AN accident in Couva before dawn on December 12 claimed the lives of two men.

The victims were identified as Andy Gibbs and Brandon Francois, both of whom were in a Nissan Cefiro.

Central Division police confirmed that the crash happened along the Southern Main Road in Mc Bean near the Unipet Service Station.

Gibbs was said to be a founding member of the group Nissan Cefiro of Trinidad and Tobago (NCTT).

A Facebook post in tribute to him said: “This morning, we received the heartbreaking news of the passing of Andy Gibbs, a founding member of NCTT. Andy's dedication and passion have been with us since the very beginning, making him an irreplaceable part of our journey.”

A graphic video circulating on social media showed the mangled wreck, with one of the men still alive and begging a passerby for help. The police said he died shortly afterwards.

Couva fire officers had to use the hydraulic cutting device commonly called the "jaws of life" to cut through the mangled wreck to get to the bodies of both men.

This is a developing story and will be updated when new information comes to hand.