Road fatalities climbed to 92 yesterday when a 32-year-old man crashed into a utility pole in Arima. According to reports, shortly before 11 pm, Donny Lalchan, of Guanapo Road, Arima, was driving his pick-up van along Eastern Main Road near Broadway, Arima when he crashed into the pole. Police said Lalchan was driving east and attempted to overtake another vehicle. While both vehicles were alongside each other the driver of the Primera reportedly swerved left and collided with Lalchan's pick up forcing him into the utility pole.
Lalchan was killed on impact and was pronounced dead at the scene. Officers of the Arima Police Station led by Superintendent Garth Nelson visited the scene and while interviewing the driver of the Primera involved in the incident they detected that his speech was slurred and he smelt of alcohol. The driver, also of Arima, failed a breathalyser test. Investigators are expected to consult with Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Roger Gaspard, early next week, for advice on whether a charge of causing death by dangerous driving should be laid. He is also expected to be charged with drunk driving. Insps Jugmohan and Mark of the Northern Division are investigating.
