Reported Serious Collision in Sandys Parish [Updated]

Mon, 2020-01-13

Around 4:15pm Monday, January 13th police, Bermuda Fire & Rescue Service and ambulance personnel were dispatched to a reported serious collision on Somerset Road in Sandys parish.

Details are limited at this time.

However, it appears that a fire truck, a taxi and a motorcyclist were involved and the rider has been seriously injured.

Motorists headed toward Somerset should expect delays until further notice.

An update will be provided as soon as possible.

Update: Sadly the rider, understood to be a 16 year old young man from Sandys parish, has succumbed to his injuries.

A Family Liaison Officer has been assigned to assist the deceased’s loved ones at this difficult time and inquiries continue.

Any witnesses are urged to contact Constable Dennis Joell on 247-1788, 717-2221 or via e-mail djoell@bps.bm.

This marks the first road fatality for 2020.

Traffic Update: The section of Somerset Road in Sandys parish near Scaur Hill where the fatal collision occurred has now been reopened to normal traffic flow and a full investigation continues regarding the circumstances of this tragedy.

Update: Tuesday, January 14th - The Bermuda Police Service can now confirm the death of 16 year old Kijani Burgess and extends sincere condolences to his family and friends.

It has since been confirmed that the teen was riding a 50cc scooter (not a motorcycle as originally stated) east along Somerset Road in Sandys parish behind a taxi, which was also being driven in the same direction in the eastbound lane.

Apparently the taxi driver, said to be a 68 year old Smith’s parish man, slowed down and pulled to the side of the road to give way to an oncoming fire truck that was being driven west in the westbound lane along Somerset Road with its emergency equipment activated (lights & sirens), responding to a reported collision.

However, Kijani and his scooter struck the rear of the taxi and fell into the path of the fire truck near Lantana Road, in the vicinity of Scaur Hill.

The 16 year old Sandys parish resident was seriously injured and despite lifesaving efforts at the scene by EMTs – which continued as he was rushed to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital via ambulance – sadly, Kijani was later pronounced dead.

A Family Liaison Officer continues to assist Kijani’s loved ones at this difficult time.

All three vehicles involved were damaged, but there were no injuries reported by the taxi driver or the Bermuda Fire & Rescue Service personnel traveling in the fire truck.

A full investigation regarding the circumstances of this fatal crash – the first for 2020 – is ongoing and any witnesses that have not already come forward are once again urged to contact Constable Dennis Joell at the Roads Policing Unit on 247-1788, 717-2221 or via e-mail djoell@bps.bm.