‘Jep’ stings kill Cedros man

A 39-YEAR-OLD Cedros man died after being stung multiple times by a swarm of Jack Spaniards while he was picking coconuts on Easter Monday. According to police reports, at around 11.30 am Asham Singh of Coromandel Village, Cedros, went with his uncle to work on a piece of ploughed land at Limefield Village, Cedros, when Singh decided to pick some coconuts. He subsequently climbed on to the tray of a van and started picking the nuts. However, Singh did not see a large nest which contained hundreds of the insects and which was hidden among the coconuts. While picking the nuts with a rod, Singh disturbed the nest causing the angry insects to attack and sting the defenceless man multiple times about his face, neck and arms.

Singh beat a hasty retreat as the Jack Spaniards flew around the top of the coconut tree. Moments later, he complained of feeling unwell and attempted to drive himself to the Point Fortin Hospital with his uncle, but while en route Singh lost consciousness and his uncle telephoned the EHS.  An EHS ambulance arrived and whisked the unconscious man to the Point Fortin Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The District Medical Officer (DMO) Dr Mahabir viewed the body and ordered its removal to the Forensics Science Centre, Federation Park, St James where efforts were being made for an autopsy to be carried out. Cpl Ashford of  Cedros Police Station is spearheading investigations.