Police in Suriname have arrested a driver following a deadly collision that occurred early Saturday morning, January 17, 2025, at the intersection of Johannes Mungrastraat and Veldhuizenlaan.
The suspect, who was driving a motor car and is reportedly not in possession of a valid driver’s licence, was taken into custody at the scene after consultations with the Public Prosecutor’s Office. He told investigators that his vehicle’s brakes allegedly failed. Both vehicles involved in the accident have since been confiscated by police to facilitate further technical examinations.
The tragic incident claimed the lives of four passengers, including a child, all of whom died at the scene from injuries sustained during the crash. Police from the Uitvlugt station received the report at approximately 6:30 a.m. and upon arrival observed extensive devastation, with damaged vehicles, debris, and multiple victims on the roadway.
Preliminary investigations revealed that a passenger bus was travelling along Johannes Mungrastraat when a motor car, approaching from Veldhuizenlaan, allegedly entered the intersection at high speed without yielding to traffic on the priority road. The resulting impact caused the bus to overturn several times, while the car partially ended up in a roadside drain.
In addition to the fatalities, a total of 21 passengers sustained injuries ranging from minor to serious and were transported by ambulance to the Emergency Department of the Paramaribo Academic Hospital for medical treatment and observation.
The bodies of the deceased were removed for post-mortem examinations as investigations continue. The Traffic Research Unit Paramaribo is conducting further inquiries to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the collision.
Investigations are ongoing.
