1 killed, 1 critical in Central crash

One man was killed and another seriously injured in a two vehicle smash-up in Carapichaima yesterday morning. Phillip Edwards, 42, a father of four, of  Enterprise, Chaguanas, died on the spot, while the driver of the other vehicle, Junior St George, 39, of Orange Field Road, Carapichaima, is listed in a critical condition.

Investigators believe Edwards, a driver employed with Edinburgh General Hardware Ltd, would have survived the crash if he had been wearing his seatbelt. According to police reports, around 12.05 am, St George, with Eleanor Francis, 43, and her daughter, Elizabeth, 19, were heading south on the Southern Main Road in his silver station wagon. As St George turned right to enter the street leading to his home, his vehicle was struck by Edward’s three tonne van, which was travelling in the opposite direction. St George was rushed to the Port-of-Spain General Hospital (PoSGH) where he was treated and admitted to Ward 41. Miraculously, the two women escaped unhurt.

Edward’s body was viewed by District Medical Officer, Dr Geelal, who ordered its removal to the PoSGH mortuary, where an autopsy is scheduled for tomorrow. PC Delarosa of the Freeport Police Station is investigating. Edwards’ estranged common-law-wife, Mary Francis, said she and Edwards had been separated for the past year but he frequently visited his four children — three girls and a boy — ages eight to 22. Francis said Edwards was an easygoing person but “liked the lime.” She said her children did not take the news of their father’s death well but they were trying to cope with the tragedy.