The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

A 59-YEAR-OLD man died on Saturday when the car he was driving crashed into a utility pole in Eleuthera, a day after another man was found pinned beneath his vehicle in a separate crash on the island on his birthday.

Allan Hilton crashed on Queen's Highway, north of Hatchet Bay, shortly before 4.20pm, police said. Officers found him inside a burgundy Nissan Note, licence plate EL9907, which had been extensively damaged, and he was having difficulty breathing. A local doctor was called to the scene, examined him and pronounced him dead. Police have launched an investigation.

On Friday, the vehicle of another man, Garaze Hanna, reportedly swerved off the road. He was airlifted to New Providence, and a resident described the scene as "really, really bad.” Mr Hanna works at The Cove Eleuthera in housekeeping and as one of the hotel's drivers. Bekera Taylor, a co-worker, said he is "still fighting for his life".

Hilton, originally from Nassau, moved to Eleuthera with his mother about three years ago. She still lives in the Rainbow area. Ms Taylor, who knows the family, said Hilton did construction and other work on the island and had recently resumed working with international artist and musician Lenny Kravitz on a construction project. She said he was known in the community, including in the James Cistern and Rainbow areas, and she extended her condolences to his family.

No official police report was released on Friday's crash. Sergeant Newbold, an officer on Eleuthera, confirmed it had happened but gave no details. Press liaison officer Leonard Ramsey could not be reached.

Ms Taylor said the island's roads are dangerous, with potholes returning and too little lighting at night.

"Well, these roads don't play," she said.

Hilton's death brings the number of traffic fatalities recorded on Eleuthera to about five.