Skyvan crash...
Co-pilot still critical, other victims recuperating
by Michel Outridge
Guyana Chronicle
November 10, 2003
The wrecked plane after it crashed with scores of Sophia residents and others after the passengers and crew members were pulled from the damaged plane.
The five Skyvan crash victims who were rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) after the aircraft which belonged to TransGuyana Airways fell out of the sky on Saturday morning at Sophia backlands are recuperating at the institution.
Pilot Savrespaul Persaud is said to be listed as critical but stable in the Intensive Care Unit.
Relatives yesterday declined to comment on his condition as they waited on more word on his condition from medical personnel.
Meanwhile, co-pilot Noel Bhyru Persaud, 31, of Industry Housing Scheme, East Coast Demerara, sustained injuries to both his legs, with lacerations to the body.
The injured man was still in a lot of pain but very happy to be alive, as he was surrounded by scores of relatives and friends.
He said that doctors are of the opinion that he also sustained a broken rib but his injuries are not life threatening.
Persaud will be relocated to another city hospital today.
The man related that he was conscious after the plane crashed and was aware when he was pulled from the aircraft by Sophia residents.
The man said that he was thankful to the residents of Sophia and all those who helped to pull him from the wreckage and rescue the other four victims.
Passengers Clive Mannie, 27, of Lot 132 Atlantic Gardens, East Coast Demerara, was smiling happily as he expressed his gratitude to God and all the residents who helped him to get medical attention.
Mannie sustained several cuts, bruises and lacerations to the head, face, legs and body. But he, too, was conscious after the Skyvan crashed minutes after takeoff of Runway 24 at Ogle Aerodrome at 10:59 hrs on Saturday en route to Ekereku Bottom, Upper Mazaruni, Region Eight (Potaro/Siparuni).
He told the Guyana Chronicle that on board the aircraft was an engine that he was going to install at a dredge. His father was still at Ogle Aerodrome when he received word of the crash.
The father of two said that he was feeling severe pains in his head and chest.
He said it was "sheer wonder" that the Skyvan did not burst into flames upon impact.
Bryan Blair, 43, of Lot 223, Grove Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara, said he was going to work when the incident occurred. He said he was truly thankful to be alive when he saw his two daughters and other relatives standing around him yesterday.
He received four gaping wounds to his head, face and also has a neck injury.
Blair said that he was experiencing severe pains in his back and chest.
The miner could not help but recall how lucky he was to be saved from the wreckage after the aircraft had to crash-land into the cane fields bordering E-block Sophia and Lamaha Springs.
The plane hit a ridge and then skidded approximately 100 feet from the point of impact, before coming to a standstill on an uncultivated piece of land.
Randolph Charles, 51, of Lot 32-44 Haven Place, South Ruimveldt Park, yesterday was nursing injuries to his head, legs; he also sustained several deep wounds to his head.
Charles said that he was feeling pain in the right side of his body.
The father of five wishes to thank God, and the residents of Sophia for rendering assistance.
The pork knocker related that he became unconsciousness when the plane fell out of the sky but regained consciousness shortly after he was taken from the damaged plane.
Dead are Premchand Arjune, 33, Flight Dispatcher for Trans Guyana Airways, and Randolph Mannie, 47, part-time pork-knocker and carpenter.
While at the institution yesterday several Sophia residents visited the injured men as hugs, smiles and thanks were exchanged.
The Officer-in-Charge of Sparendaam Police Station, Mr. Linden Lord, also visited
the injured men at the hospital where he assured them that their personal effects, including luggage, was being guarded by the police and other security personnel.
He said that investigations are continuing.