A 39-year-old Chinese national has been further remanded to prison after being charged with causing the death of a young motorcyclist in a road accident at Coverden, East Bank Demerara.
Zeng Huaqing, of the CRBC Construction Camp at Kuru Kururu, Soesdyke-Linden Highway, appeared at the Friendship Magistrate’s Court last Friday, where the additional charge of causing death by dangerous driving was read to him.
He was remanded to Lusignan Prison and is expected to return to court as the proceedings continue.
The new charge stems from an August 5 collision that claimed the life of 21-year-old Christopher Thomas of Yarrowkabra, Soesdyke-Linden Highway.
Huaqing was previously charged with four other traffic offences arising from the same incident.
Those charges are driving while unlicensed, using an unlicensed motor vehicle, driving an uncertified motor vehicle and using an uninsured motor vehicle.
He pleaded not guilty to those charges when he first appeared in court on August 7 and was remanded. The matters were adjourned to August 14.
The fatal crash occurred at about 8:45 p.m. on the Coverden Public Road.
According to police, Huaqing was driving motor van PAG 8745 north along the western lane when he approached the entrance to a worksite compound.
Police allege that he attempted to turn right into the compound without stopping. During the turn, the van collided with motorcycle CR 8010, which Thomas was riding south along the eastern lane.
Police said the motorcycle was travelling at a fast rate of speed at the time.
The impact sent Thomas and his 24-year-old pillion passenger, of Grand Sand Road, Soesdyke, onto the roadway.
Both men were injured and taken to the Diamond Regional Hospital. Thomas subsequently died while receiving medical treatment, while the pillion rider was treated for his injuries.
As part of the investigation, police identified and reviewed CCTV footage from cameras in the area.
Huaqing was arrested on the same day as the accident.
Police also administered a breathalyser test, which recorded 0.07 micrograms, a reading said to be below the prescribed legal limit.
Huaqing now faces the more serious charge arising from Thomas’ death, in addition to the four traffic offences already before the court.
The case remains before the Magistrates’ Court as the prosecution continues its proceedings.
