The death of PTSC mechanic Ravi Maharaj, who was crushed between two buses on Friday evening, has prompted an investigation into the health and safety practices at the state-owned company. PTSC General Manager Ronald Forde told reporters that a full investigation would be launched into Maharaj’s death and the health and safety personnel of the corporation would also seek to determine whether additional training was required to avoid a recurrence.
Maharaj, 35, of Belleview Drive, Plum Road Manzanilla, was killed instantly around 6.15 pm in Valencia when he was trapped between the two buses. He was attached to PTSC Sangre Grande Maintenance Department. Media reports stated that on Friday a PTSC bus, registration HCR4964, took a group of children from the Heavenly Jewel Child Care of Sangre Grande on an excursion to Hollis Water Works and De Freitas Park in Valencia.
When the group was about to embark on the return journey the bus experienced mechanical difficulties and the PTSC Sangre Grande Maintenance Department was contacted. A second bus, registration HCK 3017, driven by Roger Baboolal of Tamana, arrived to convey the passengers. Around 6.15 pm, HCK 3017 was in the process of towing HCR4964, driven by Anthony Chandass of O’Meara Road, Arima, when both buses experienced difficulty climbing a steep incline in Valencia. Both vehicles stopped on the hill.
Maharaj disembarked and went to the rear, whereupon the tow chain snapped and the first bus rolled backwards, crushing Maharaj against the second bus. He was rushed to the Sangre Grande hospital by ambulance but was pronounced dead on arrival. Forde extended sympathy to the bereaved family and said the PTSC stood ready to assist in their time of grief. He said Maharaj was a dedicated and experienced worker and a role model to other employees.
Deputy General Manager - Marketing and Communications, Carl Ramdeo, also extended condolences and described Maharaj as one of the better mechanics who had great knowledge and experience in his field. Woman PC Felix of the Valencia Police Post is continuing investigations. RR