Nine-year-old in ICU but alleged drunk driver not arrested
Alcohol bottles were allegedly falling from the vehicle.
A resident, Abdul Allow, is accusing Metro Police of failing to act against an allegedly drunken driver who caused his nine-year-old daughter to end up in ICU.
Little Rubeina was travelling with her aunt and nine-year-old cousin on Saturday when the accident took place on Goldman Street at around 9.30pm. Her aunt’s vehicle was travelling in the direction of the CBD when she stopped to turn into the complex she lives in. She commented to the children that the vehicle coming towards them was speeding. When that vehicle came close the driver lost control and skidded into her lane. Her aunt’s vehicle started spinning on impact and ended up 300 metres back. The other vehicle ended up about 400 metres from where it impacted their vehicle. Its suspension was found 150 metres away.
The family immediately rushed to the accident scene. According to Allow they called Metro Police but waited nearly three hours for them to arrive. Eventually some of the family went to Florida Police Station for assistance but there they were told they were too busy to come to the scene. Meanwhile Allow left with the ambulance that took Rubeina to hospital.
“There were alcohol bottles in the other vehicle and some even fell onto the street. Both the driver and his passenger reeked of alcohol. Before Metro Police arrived some of the driver’s friends quickly disposed of the bottles. When Metro Police did arrive they initially said they were going to impound the other driver’s vehicle. The driver then phoned his mother who asked to speak to the officers on the scene. After speaking to the mother the officers changed their minds and said the tow truck could tow the vehicle,” said an upset Allow.
“They never tested the driver for being under the influence. The driver could hardly stand and his friend had to prevent him from falling down. Later at hospital (the alleged drunk driver was also transported to hospital), my father asked the cops if they had done a breathalyser test on the driver, but they refused to answer,” said Allow.
“My daughter has fractures to her face, a broken nose and an injured arm and leg. She has to go for facial surgery tomorrow (18 May),” said Allow.
“I believe the mother of the driver either offered the cops a bribe or she has connections at Metro Police,” concluded Allow.
When the Record spoke to Allow on Tuesday he was yet to receive a case number from Metro Police.
Metro Police could not be reached for comment.
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