An East Coast Demerara fruit vendor was killed instantly after he was reportedly struck down by a speeding minibus while crossing from Sheriff Street onto the Rupert Craig Highway early yesterday morning.

Dead is Ashraf Totaram, 22, called 'King', of Strathspey Squatting Area, East Coast Demerara.

Taxi driver dies in Happy Acres accident Shooting-Woman-dies

Eyewitnesses said about 05:15 h yesterday morning Totaram and four friends had minutes before shared a meal at a restaurant on Sheriff Street and had crossed over to the Rupert Craig Highway when he was struck down and killed.

According to one bystander, Totaram was the first to cross the road and was standing near the median awaiting his friends who were still standing on Sheriff Street when the minibus slammed into him.

His relatives related to this newspaper that the Bourda Market fruit vendor was on his way home when the incident occurred.

The minibus driver was taken into police custody while the vehicle was lodged with the police.

Shanta Totaram, 40, the dead man's mother told the Chronicle that she received a telephone call and rushed to the scene and saw her son's lifeless and bloodied body lying at the road side.

"When me reach deh me see me pickney ( son) lie down dead on the road," Shanta said.

She said Totaram would have celebrated his 23rd birthday on June 29.

Totaram is survived by his three sisters, a brother, his parents and fiancee.

Monday, June 13, 2005