Otto Carrington
The man seen stranded on the bonnet of his partially submerged vehicle during Thursday’s severe flooding on Trantrill Road, St Augustine, has been found safe. After hours of searching, emergency officials confirmed the driver, of Asian descent, had returned home and was later located at a racing pool in Tunapuna.
Rural Development and Local Government Minister Khadijah Ameen said she was relieved the driver had escaped unharmed. His vehicle had been swept away by strong flood currents earlier in the day, prompting a coordinated response by the Tunapuna/Piarco Regional Corporation, Fire Service and Police. Officers traced him using the vehicle's number plate, identifying him as a Pasea Road resident.
“I am relieved the individual is unharmed,” Ameen said. She urged the public once more not to risk driving through floodwaters and thanked first responders, volunteers, and NGOs such as SewaTT for their efforts.
Ameen confirmed that stagnant water still affects communities across the East-West Corridor, including Valsayn South, Real Spring, Spring Village and Caroni Village. Sandbags and hot meals are still being distributed. She encouraged citizens to donate supplies such as mops, brooms, cleaning products and food, and advised them to coordinate donations through their Municipal Disaster Managers for safety and effectiveness.
Guardian Media captured the widely circulated video of the driver perched atop his car as floodwaters surged through Trantrill Road. The footage caused concern, triggering an urgent search.
Disaster Management Coordinator Terrence Maxim said the situation had appeared dire throughout the day. “We’re hoping against all hope that this turns out to be a rescue and not something more tragic,” he said before the driver was located. He warned that six inches of fast-moving water can sweep a vehicle off the road, and some parts of Trantrill Road drop six feet below surface level, making rescue efforts extremely dangerous.
“I’m telling people, do not venture into Trantrill Road,” Maxim said, warning that the Caroni Basin—from St Helena to Ibis Gardens—remains under threat from rising waters.
Assistant Chief Fire Officer for the Northern Division, Noel Stewart, echoed these warnings. “All those who believe they can defy the laws of nature and take risks with their lives will be in for a harsh surprise,” he said. “We want all families to return home safely.”
Stewart urged relatives to talk to their loved ones about the dangers of flooded roads. “Do not take chances with your lives,” he said.
Local resident Brandon Boodram, who assisted with the search, described conditions earlier that day as treacherous. “If the river comes down again, the current will be strong,” he said. “Some people don’t even know how to walk through that safely.”
The Ministry confirmed it will continue to monitor the situation and remains committed to supporting affected communities.