A pedestrian died on Friday night after he was struck down along the Harlem Public Road, West Coast Demerara (WCD), by a speeding driver who was rushing his son to the hospital.

Dead is Umesh Ramkishun, 44, of Lot 6 Waller’s Delight, WCD.

The accident occurred around 19:15hrs. At the time, Ramkishun and another man, whose identity was not released by the police, were crossing the road.

He was struck down by motorcar PZZ 9115, which was being driven by a 47year-old resident of Sea View Anna Catherina,

WCD. Police yesterday confirmed that the driver was taken into custody. He was subjected to a breathalyser test and no trace of alcohol was found.

According to a police report, enquiries revealed that the driver was proceeding east along the northern side of the road, at a fast rate of speed and he struck Ramkishun, who was crossing the road with another pedestrian.

The driver, whose son had ingested poison, was en route to the West Demerara Hospital, the police said.

As a result of the collision, Ramkishun was flung onto the bonnet and windscreen of the car. He sustained injuries about his body, including his head. His right hand was also severed.

Ramkishun was picked up and taken to the West Demerara Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The other pedestrian was not injured.

The dead man’s brother, Gopaul

Ramkishun yesterday told Sunday Stabroek that he received a call from a relative who informed him about the accident.

“She (relative) me that how me brother deh in an accident and that he foot come out and he dead,” Gopaul said.

He said he immediately rushed to the scene. However, upon arrival, Umesh was already taken to the hospital.

Gopaul said the accident occurred in front of Umesh’s home. “He get knock down in front his house and was dragged about eight house away,” he told this newspaper.

He believed that Umesh was heading home when tragedy struck.

Umesh was the father of one child, a daughter. He was employed with Puran Brothers Disposal Inc.