Man crushed to death

He was pronounced dead on arrival at hospital. Deonarine, a heavy machine equipment operator was employed with Junior Sammy Contractors Limited. Deonarine had been working as a heavy machine equipment operator for the past 15 years, relatives told Newsday.

According to police reports the incident occurred at about 8.30 am while Deonarine was driving a steam roller on to a trailer truck. Reports are that the steam roller skidded while going on to the flet bed of the truck and Deonarine attempted to escape by jumping off, but was injured in the process. When Newsday visited the site, workmen were seen on the site and trucks bearing the Junior Sammy logo were seen entering and leaving the construction area.

The Golconda to Debe section of the San Fernando to Point Fortin Highway is not involved in any controversy and work has been proceeding apace unlike at the Debe to Mon Desir section where work has stopped to allow a 60 day review period agreed to by the Joint Consultative Council and Government.

One of Deonarine’s relatives who was also on the site and witnessed the tragic incident told other relatives that Deonarine was driving the steam roller on to the flat bed section of the truck when disaster struck.

“Deonarine attempted to come off of the vehicle, but he was struck on his left leg. He may have gotten internal injuries to that leg and bled to death.” the relative said. Deonarine was the father of 15-year-old Dillion Deonarine. Only last month Deonarine’s mother died.

“We lost our mother on November 24 and since then life has never been the same. We are still coming to terms with her death. And only to hear this morning that Ronnie dead,” said one of Deonarine’s brothers who asked not to be named. “It’s so sad. It’s a double tragedy for our family with no warning,” he added. The brother said he last spoke with Deonarine a few days ago. Deonarine was described as “a beautiful individual”.

“He was always looking after others. He was a family-oriented person and always in church,” a relative said. Other members of the Deonarine family were in a daze yesterday. Deonarine’s wife was too distraught to speak and remained inside the house. Relatives said, while they are not casting blame on anyone they would also like a full investigation to be launched into Deonarine’s death. An autopsy on Deonarine’s body is expected to be done today at the San Fernando Mortuary. San Fernando Police officers are continuing investigations.

Meanwhile, a statement from the Junior Sammy Group yesterday extended condolences to the bereaved family and pledged support to the family “ in whatever way we can during their time of bereavement.”

The company stated that the accident is currently under investigation by the police and other government agencies and should be completed “very soon”. The statement added that the Junior Sammy Group is co-operating with and providing all assistance to the investigating team to properly identify the cause of the accident. The company said the site has been closed.

The National Infrastructure Development Company (NIDCO) told Newsday it is also carrying out an independent investigation into the incident.

Works Minister Emmanuel George did not respond to phone calls.