Two 40-foot containers being hauled by drivers for Basics Distributors Ltd were involved in separate incidents in Port-of-Spain yesterday, as one was dragged from its flatbed and overturned onto the pavement, while the second tipped onto its side and was left leaning against a concrete pole.
Both incidents occurred less than one hour apart, and created huge traffic jams within the capital as police and traffic wardens were deployed to redirect motorists.
There were no casualities or damage to any buildings or surrounding property during either incident.
In the first incident, around 9.15 am, driver Keshwarn Sahadeo was forced to jump out of his truck to escape injury as the loaded container he was transporting overturned when he attempted to turn onto Richmond Street from Queen Street, Port-of-Spain.
Speaking shortly after the incident, a shaken Sahadeo pointed to the fallen container which had also landed on the truck’s cab, as he explained, “I had no other choice because there were two vehicles parked there, so I had to take the corner sharp.”
Asked if the container had been properly secured to the flatbed, Sahadeo replied, “Yes.”
However, both police and customs officers at the site said this might not have been the case as the container, if it had been properly secured, would also have dragged the flatbed onto its side when it fell.
Sahadeo was transporting documents from the old Customs House which was previously situated at Nicholas Court, Abercromby Street, Port-of-Spain, to a warehouse at Trade Zone, El Socorro.
Sources yesterday confirmed the container is owned by former president of the Shipping Association, Rhett Chee Ping.
Less than 45 minutes later, officials of the company went to Paria Shipping Company, Sackville Street, Port-of-Spain, after receiving a call that another 40-foot container, which had just been released from the Port Authority, had also been involved in a similar mishap.
It was not known what was being transported in that container.
The second incident occurred as driver Barry Streat attempted to park the container on the street.
Officers said the container “leaned” to one side as the roadway was uneven, causing the flatbed to keel as Streat attempted to unhitch the flatbed from the truck’s cab.
A No Parking sign prevented that container from overturning and landing on a nearby business.
Streat confirmed the incident, saying that his container too, had been properly secured to the flatbed.
After learning of the incident with Sahadeo, Streat walked to that site which was one block away and spoke with onlookers as he said, “This is a first-time thing.”
Sahadeo has been driving for the past 12 years, while Streat indicated he had seven years’ experience behind the wheel.
Both men said this was the first time such an incident had occurred.
Brothers and managers at Basics Distributors Ltd, Aneil and Apollo Arjoon, were present at both sites.
Approached to comment on the incident at the corner of Richmond and Queen Streets, Aneil Arjoon said they were “swamped” trying to figure out how to remove the fallen container.
He claimed the company usually followed the strictest safety standards when transporting containers.
However, approached a short time later after officials hinted that the container might not have been secured to the flatbed but, rather, had been resting on top it, Arjoon tersely responded, “As far as I know, the pins were on. I don’t know anything else.”
Thankful that no one had been injured during either incident, Streat said, “God is good.”
Officials of Paria Shipping Company declined to comment on the incident.
Both incidents attracted the attention of workers, pedestrians and motorists who rushed out of nearby offices and slowed their vehicles, craning their necks to catch a glimpse of what was taking place.
Many passersby stopped to take photos, posting it immediately to social media sites, which resulted in many others rushing to both scenes.
PC Terry Moore of the Central Police Station is continuing investigations.
Stricter regulations needed
DOMA head wants stricter regulations for large vehicles
Also at the scene was president of the Downtown Owners and Merchants Association (DOMA), Gregory Aboud, who called for stricter regulations to be introduced to guide the owners and operators of large vehicles.
Pointing to the scene at Richmond and Queen Streets, Aboud agreed with claims that the container had not been properly secured to the flatbed.
“It seems that it (container) couldn’t have been properly secured because if it was, it could never roll off this trailer,” Aboud said.
He continued, “If we were a more organised city, there would be some streets on which containers could not turn and if we were a more organised country, these trailers would have to pass certain inspections and certified fit to carry these containers.”
Dismissing calls for large vehicles to be allowed to operate only during certain hours, Aboud said, “That’s absurd.
“Trucks and trailers represent a vital part of the economic health of the country. Without trucks and trailers, you wouldn’t have the economy you have, and restricting trucks and trailers would be driving a dagger into the heart of the productivity of the country. That is clear, that is not an answer,” he said.