CNC3 – TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO – Relatives of Dr Rajeev Bahall, who died after crashing his car along the Uriah Butler Highway, are calling on the authorities to put up proper reflectors on the concrete barriers which separate the highway from turnoffs.
Bahall, 27, of Lange Park, Chaguanas, died after his silver BMW crashed into some concrete barriers along the highway around 1.14 am on Friday. Investigators said Bahall was driving his silver BMW north along the Uriah Butler Highway near the Factory Road, Chaguanas, turnoff when he crashed into the concrete barriers.
It is believed he was not wearing his seatbelt as he was thrown out of the vehicle. A district medical officer visited the scene and ordered the body removed to the Forensic Science Centre, St James. Bahall was unmarried and lived with his parents Robin and Sally Bahall and his younger brother.
His parents were inconsolable yesterday. His uncle, Specialist Medical Officer and Consultant Physician, Dr Mandreker Bahall, said he only recently got a permanent job as a house officer at the paediatrics ward of the San Fernando Teaching Hospital.
“Rajeev was always passionate about his profession.
He wanted to be a doctor. When he finished A-Levels, instead of waiting for a year he went to Barbados to start his studies right away. He graduated a year ago and he was doing really well. He got the job in pediatrics last week,” the senior doctor recalled.
Saying Bahall’s death was a hard blow to the entire family, the uncle added, “Just last week I saw him and I told him to work hard in paediatrics. He was a very humble guy. Always willing to take instructions, very calm and not pushy. He was young and was always willing to put in that extra mile.”
Dr Bahall (Snr) said it was important to put proper signage and reflectors on the highway barriers.
“All over the place we see these concrete barriers and there are no proper reflectors to warn motorists. They have the medians but if you miss in the dark you cannot see the medians or the barriers which separate the highway from a turnoff,” Mandreker said.
“They need to paint these barriers bright and put indicators on the road.”
He noted that public infrastructure must always be maintained to ensure public safety.
Contacted yesterday, Minister of Works Rohan Sinanan extended condolences to the family. With regard to the family’s call, Sinanan said he was unaware of the family’s requests. However, he said he will refer the suggestions to the traffic engineers and the Director of Highways to make the recommendation for barrier reflectors and indicators.
On news of his passing, Aneil Maharaj, vice president of Presentation College Alumni, who was also Bahall’s friend and schoolmate, remembered Bahall as “always a jovial character.”
“I’ve had the privilege of knowing him since primary school and through the years of Presentation College, Chaguanas, is where that brotherhood continued to foster. He placed in the top 100, unexpectedly to him I should say and then continued to achieve academic success throughout his presentation career,” Maharaj wrote in a tribute piece on social media.
“…He went on to study medicine at the Cave Hill, UWI campus where he graduated to pursue his medical profession. It is with great condolences that we send condolences to his family in this unfortunate time.”
Bahall’s death was recorded as the 98th for the year so far.