RADHICA DE SILVA
radhica.sookraj@guardian.co.tt
Two motorcycle police officers escaped death when they collided with each other at an intersection in San Fernando a short while ago.
The accident occurred in front of the home of CNC3 cameraman Ivan Toolsie. Preliminary reports indicate that the officers PC Joseph and PC Harripersad had just left the San Fernando Licensing Office and were returning to base at the San Fernando police headquarters on their police motorcycles when the incident occurred.
As the officers proceeded north along Independence Avenue and came to the intersection of Ruth Avenue, they saw a motorist driving a Nissan Note, attempting to turn right from Upper Independence Avenue, into the newly built link road that connects Lady Hailes Avenue.
That part of the road is under construction and there is no street traffic sign alerting motorists to impending danger.
A witness said as PC Joseph stopped to alert the motorist, PC Harripersad who was heading in the same direction, crashed into PC Joseph's motorcycle. PC Joseph flew up in the air and landed on his back.
Consultant Surgical Oncologist Dr Ammiel Arra who was close by came to assist the officers. PC Joseph suffered injuries to his back and possibly a broken leg.
An off-duty fire officer who was driving behind also assisted and called the Emergency Health Service ambulance. Two MTS officers also arrived and watched over Joseph as he lay on the ground.
The officers were taken by ambulance to the San Fernando General Hospital. Guardian Media will keep you updated on this story as more information comes to hand.