The horrific crash in Couva that claimed the lives of two security officers yesterday pushed road fatalities for this year to 115.
Pleading with motorists to exercise greater care and responsibility on the nation’s roads, the TTPS revealed that Traffic and Highway Patrol Branch Roadway Surveillance Unit data showed there has been a 21 per cent increase in road deaths, as 95 fatalities were recorded up to the same period last year.
The victims of the crash were identified as Andy Gibbs, 40, of Claxton Bay, and Brendon Francois, 39, of Felicity, Chaguanas. Both were employed with Allied Security.
Initial reports stated that just before 3 am, Gibbs was driving a Nissan Cifero south along the Southern Main Road, with Francois in the front passenger seat, when he lost control and crashed into the concrete wall of a house next door to the McBean House of Prayer.
When officers from the Couva Police Station responded, firefighters were already attempting to extract the victims from the mangled wreck.
In a short video clip taken before the emergency services arrived, Gibbs was heard pleading for help.
When Guardian Media visited the scene yesterday, an occupant of the house where the accident occurred said it was heartbreaking listening to Gibbs. However, she was also frustrated, as it was the third time in a year that a vehicle had crashed into her wall.
In a TTPS statement, Senior Superintendent of the Traffic and Highway Patrol Branch, Garvin Simon, said, “These preventable, tragic incidents continue to burden our society with unnecessary and preventable loss of human life. Drivers need to understand that a motor vehicle is similar to a powerful weapon that, if used irresponsibly, can seriously injure or kill the user and other persons.”
Noting the Christmas season is supposed to be a time of joy and family time, not heartache and pain, he said his officers will continue their relentless efforts in enforcement and education.
However, he said road users must also do their part to ensure their safety, their passengers and other road users by doing simple things such as obeying speed limits, wearing seatbelts and ensuring a sober, alert driver is always behind the steering wheel.
“These little things go such a long way towards saving lives and keeping families together. On behalf of the TTPS, we extend sincerest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims during this difficult time.”
Meanwhile, Gibbs’ childhood friend, Reyel Jack, said he found out about the crash through social media just after 7 am. While he recognised Gibbs’ name, he said he could not identify whether he was the person asking for help.
“It was a harsh way to find out and my grandmother was standing with me at the time so he didn’t have no way to hide the news from her because my facial expression changed...and I had no choice but to tell her.”
He described Gibbs as a humble, quiet and hard-working person.
“Always respectable, not a person of drinking alcohol, but always around holding a vibe, quiet, don’t have no problem with anyone in the village. Everybody and everybody respects Andy, and Andy respects everybody, old and young,” he said.
Gibbs had a teenage daughter.
Meanwhile, the Estate Police Association expressed sadness over their deaths and sent condolences to their families.
The EPA said Gibbs, a former EPA Allied Security Branch Board chairman, would be remembered for his dedication and leadership, while Francois was an active participant in the EPA’s sporting activities and was admired for his enthusiasm and commitment.
Allied Security also lost two officers under tragic circumstances in September 2022 when Jeffrey Peters and Jerry Stuart were shot and killed during the robbery at Pennywise’s La Romain branch.
