Killer truck was defective

A MOTOR vehicle inspector testified in the High Court yesterday that the Leyland truck which was involved in a fatal crash five years ago on St James Street in San Fernando had several mechanical defects, including a faulty braking system. Lalman Ramdass, a motor vehicle inspector at Licensing Office with over 25 years experience, was called to testify in the trial of truck driver Mathura Lakhan, who is facing three counts of motor manslaughter in the First Criminal Assizes. The crash, which occurred on May 24, 1999, around 5.15 pm, claimed the lives of Lynette Chaitan Ramroop, 40; Kevin Mohammed, 14, a junior secondary student; and Jillian Telemaque Sifontis, a mother of one.

The trial is before Justice Paula Mae Weekes, with the State’s case led by Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Roger Gaspard. Lakhan’s lead attorney is Senior Counsel Gilbert Peterson, instructed by Hayden St Clair Douglas and Gretel Baird. Ramdass yesterday told the court of the results of his examination of the truck and trailer which he conducted at the Licensing Office at San Fernando days after the accident, in the presence of Inspector Azar Hosein, Sgt Martin, and Lakhan.

Ramdass said he observed that the air horn was not functioning, and believed that it was inoperative before the accident, since he said there was no damage in the area where the horn was fitted. He said all four rear truck tyres were smooth. The motor vehicle inspector testified that there was a leak in the air brake system which he believed the truck was operating with for a long time prior to the accident. Ramdass also observed the failed safe spring brakes system was not functional. The case continues on Monday.