Soldier dies after car crashes into PTSC bus

A soldier returning to Camp Mausica yesterday after early morning practice for the upcoming celebrations to mark the 42nd anniversary of the Regiment, was killed instantly when he collided with a PTSC bus. According to reports,  sub-lieutenant Julien Celestine, 23, was travelling east in his car around 1.25 pm yesterday when he lost control 100 yards from the junction of Cane Farm Road and the Priority Bus Route, Tacarigua.  He crossed the road and crashed into the right side of a bus going in the opposite direction.

The bus was driven by Ellis Walker, 58. He and four passengers were rushed to the Arima Health Facility where they were treated, while the Fire Services had to be called to cut the car open to remove Celestine. Reports revealed that Walker said he was driving west when he saw the car coming at him. He pulled to the left in an attempt to get out of the way, but the car crashed into the right side of the bus. Dr Vidya Maharaj visited the scene, pronounced Celestine dead and ordered the body removed to the Forensic Science Centre for an autopsy today. Investigators believe that Celestine, of Clovis Trace in Maraval, may have fallen asleep at the wheel after the early morning training. Chief of Defence Staff Brigadier Ancil Antoine, on learning of the death, offered his condolences to the family.

Visiting the scene were several of Celestine’s colleagues and policemen, ACP Reyes, Snr Supt Bastien, ASP Trim, Insps Thomas and Hansraj and Cpls Lequay, Sylvester and Simmonds. WP Cpl Simmonds is investigating. Celebrations for the 42nd TT Regiment anniversary will continue on Wednesday with a retired soldiers’ luncheon, an officers’ mess dinner on Thursday and a grand parade on Friday at Teteron.

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