GMR&SC president appeals for public cooperation after fatal South Dakota Circuit accident

A tragic accident at the South Dakota Circuit, Guyana’s lone motor-racing facility, has once again raised serious concerns about public access and safety enforcement at the venue. On Saturday last (October 4), 58-year-old motorcyclist Richard La Cruz of Timehri, East Bank Demerara, lost his life following a collision with a racing car during testing at the Timehri-based track.

According to a police report, Andre Rochford, a 49-year-old resident of Herstelling, East Bank Demerara, was testing his Honda race car on the circuit when La Cruz reportedly began swerving in and out of the vehicle’s path, resulting in a collision. The impact caused La Cruz to fall from his motorcycle, sustaining severe injuries. He was picked up by Rochford and taken to the Guyana Defence Force Medical Centre, where he was examined before being transferred to the New Diamond Regional Hospital. Despite receiving treatment, he succumbed to his injuries.

Police confirmed that Rochford was arrested and subjected to a breathalyser test, which showed no trace of alcohol. He remains in custody at the Madewini Police Outpost assisting with investigations. A post-mortem examination is expected to be conducted shortly.