Boy, six, burnt to death in car crashBy Laurel V Williams Monday, November 2 2009
click on pic to zoom in
INJURED: Anthony Ramkahawalan, 38, whose son Chris, six, perished in a car fire yesterday, at his home in Siparia....
SIX-year-old Chris Ramkahawalan, a First Year pupil at the Caroni Presbyterian School, was burnt to death when his father’s car crashed into another car, then slammed into a bridge in Caroni, where it burst into flames, early yesterday.
Police said the boy’s father, Anthony Ramkahawalan, 38, was driving north along the Southern Main Road, in the vicinity of Trantrail Road, Southern Main Road, when his 323 Mazda crashed into another car, which was heading in the opposite direction and then into a concrete bridge.
Police said the child’s charred remains were found in the car. The elder Ramkahawalan and another occupant of the car, Rishi Capildeo escaped with minor injuries.
The accident took place at about 3 am. Chris’ parents recently separated and although he lives with his mother in Longdenville, he spends his weekends at his father’s home at Lily Trace, DeGannes Village, Siparia.
At the family’s home in Siparia, yesterday, preparations to celebrate Gunessdath Chaitram’s 48th birthday, turned into preparations for a wake for his grandson.
Chaitram said he heard of the tragedy at about 4 am yesterday and immediately went to the scene.
As tears flowed down his face, he told Newsday he was distraught by the loss of his grandson, Chris.
“Yesterday (Saturday) I hugged and kissed Chris. He wanted a ball in the shop and I bought it for him. He left home with it. I always wanted to have him but never got the chance. When I saw the remains in the front seat he looked like a piece of burnt wood or something, ” Chaitram said.
Chaitram said motorists needed to be more cautious on the road since human lives are at risk.
Chris’ father was somber as he recalled the incident.
Sporting bandages on his hand and lower body, Ramkahawalan said he was on his way to visit relatives in Central Trinidad, where he and his son would have spent the weekend. He said when his car crashed into the other car, he lost consciousness.
“I was knocked out and my friend managed to come out the vehicle. Sometime later I crept out the car and fell on my head on the ground. I remembered my son was asleep on the back seat and I attempted to pull him out also,” Ramkahawalan said.
As he was consoled by relatives, he said as soon as he attempted to get back into the car for Chris, it burst into flames.
He said he heard Chris’ screams for him, before the car was completely engulfed.
“Dad, Dad,” he was screaming.
Ramkahawalan said he tried his best to save his son. “I tried running through the fire but my shirt caught on fire,” he said.
