A Cunupia man who died in the horrific car accident on the Uriah Butler Highway on Saturday night had pushed his best friend, in the passenger seat, out of the way to save his friend's life moments before another car ploughed into theirs.
Aleem Akaloo, 23, the dead driver, and Nankumar Rooplal, the survivor, had both watched in resigned helplessness as an out-of-control red Nissan Qashqai flew through the air towards them. The airborne car, driven by Jillian St Bernard had been heading north along the highway, when it struck the median and took off, landing in the southbound lane.
Her Nissan smashed into the right side of Akaloo's black Toyota Prado, killing them both instantly. A badly-shaken Rooplal survived the accident, which happened at around 7.30 on Saturday night, near the Munroe Road Flyover.The crash led to a major traffic pile-up, which lasted for more than two hours.
Fire officials had to cut into the metal of the cars to retrieve the bodies of both Akaloo and St Bernard.Recounting the last minutes prior to the accident, Rooplal yesterday cried uncontrollably as he gazed upon his "brother's" casket at the funeral service for Akaloo.
Physically supported by his father, Ganesh Rooplal, Nankumar's face, neck, ears, hands and upper body reflected the injuries he sustained.Unable to say much before being overcome by grief, Nankumar spoke softly as he said, "As soon as he saw the car flying towards us, he pushed his hand out to save me and he tried to hold on."
Nankumar added, "He say 'this is it, we dead.'"Breaking down as he wiped away his tears, Ganesh choked up as he spoke of his son's best friend's attempt to save him. "Aleem saved him by squeezing him against the door."Describing Aleem as Nankumar's brother, Ganesh said, "They were always moving together."
Minutes before Aleem's body was brought to his house, his father Inshan Akaloo sought to articulate the pain the family was experiencing as he said, "It real hurting me. He was everything to me."
Inshan explained that Aleem and Nankumar left home to pick up Aleem's 13-year-old sister at Movietowne, Price Plaza, Chaguanas.An only son whom he described as "wonderful," Inshan said, "He did everything for me in my business. He was the backbone of my business."I don't know where I am going from here...." Inshan trailed off.
Up to yesterday, police officers were yet to interview Nankumar about the accident.Aleem was buried according to Muslim rites at the Munroe Road Cemetery.
Asked if he had a word of advice to other motorists, Inshan appealed to drivers, "Take your time, if you are sleepy, park up and take a rest. Please don't drink and drive." There is no suggestion from the police speeding or sleepiness caused St Barnard to lose control of her Qashqai.At her Santa Rosa home yesterday, a few of her co-workers gathered along with grieving family members.
They all declined to speak with the media.St Bernard was employed as a business intelligence analyst with Digicel Trinidad and Tobago.Neighbours indicated that the St. Bernard family had only moved into the area several months ago and had kept to themselves.
According to the police report, around 7.20 pm on February 20, St Bernard lost control of her car and struck the median.The accident occurred in the vicinity of the Munroe Road Flyover.