Man killed in hit and run accident

Trinidad and Tobago’s road fatality figure continued to climb when a 50-year-old machine operator became victim No 105, in a “hit and run” vehicular accident on Wednesday night. So severe was the impact that claimed the life of Hardeo Sahadeo of Jacksingh Trace, Woodland, that he was thrown several feet into the air before landing and rolling along the rough roadway.

He died shortly after 4 am, Thursday, while being treated at the San Fernando General Hospital for multiple organ damage and a fractured skull. Sahadeo, an employee of Rinn Industries, located at South Trunk Road, La Romaine, was discovered at the roadway leading to his home by a fellow villager.

Reports indicated that Sahadeo was returning home around 8:20 pm, after liming at a nearby entertainment centre on the San Francique Road.  Residents reported seeing him on the road but thought nothing of it. One resident, Anjanie Debysingh, told police that she was alerted by barking dogs and upon investigating, found Sahadeo bleeding on the roadside, with a gaping wound to the head.  Debysingh said when she rushed to his side, all he muttered was, “they beat me.”  

Sahadeo was taken to hospital by the Emergency Health Service, but succumbed hours later. The findings of an autopsy by Forensic Pathologist, Dr Valery Alexandrov, revealed that Sahadeo was struck from behind by a speeding vehicle. He said Sahadeo’s ribs were fractured and his skull was cracked. He also sustained a crushed spine and his aorta was ruptured. He also suffered kidney damage and multiple lacerations to the face and back of the head.

At his home, relatives were busily preparing for a wake, while his girlfriend, Lutchmin Lal, struggled to come to terms with his death. Lal revealed that it was only last year that she and Sahadeo had rekindled their association  being separated for 36 years.

Speaking in a soft tone, she said: “ We were boyfriend and girlfriend since school days when I was 13. But you know how things go and we went our separate ways and I got married and had my children and that was over. Then about one year and a half ago, we rekindled.”

Sahadeo’s nephew, Steve Sahadeo said he is baffled by the circumstances surrounding his uncle’s death but wants to know the truth. He said his uncle was not an alcoholic but an occasional drinker. Investigations are continuing into Sahadeo’s death.