First Road Fatality for 2020: 16 Year Old Kijani Burgess

Tue, 2020-01-14

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.