THE 70-year-old truck driver who was involved in last Saturday’s accident at Mosquito Creek, La Romaine, which claimed the lives of five people, has been charged with five counts of causing death by dangerous driving.

Balton Barnwell, an employee of Junior Sammy Contractors Ltd, could face up to 15 years in jail if convicted, police said.

Barnwell was arrested on Wednesday evening after investigators called him in for further questioning.

His truck collided with a panel van along the South Trunk Road, La Romaine, near Mosquito Creek. Rajesh Ramnarine, 37, of Ralph Narine Trace, nine-year-old Sachin Maharaj of St Mary’s Village and 12-year-old Sachin Singh of Berridge Trace died on impact.

Rishi Ramlogan, 22, of Partap Trace, Oropouche, and 15-year-old Rajkumar Deonarine of Bamboo Trace, St John’s Road, Oropouche, succumbed to their injuries at the San Fernando General Hospital the following day.

The five were part of a group of 17 from the Shri Pritiv Devi Ashram who were on their way to witness the ’Balls of Fire’ cricket event at the Queen’s Park Oval, Port of Spain.

Listed in serious condition at hospital are 14-year-old Roger Ramkissoon, 18-year-old Videsh Ramsaran, van driver 46-year-old Balram Heeralal, Mahendra Robin Maharaj, 36 and his four-year-old son Darsan Maharaj.

Barnwell walked away from the crash without injury.

He was arrested at the crash site and charged with using obscene language. He was placed on a bond in the sum of $5,000 to keep the peace and be of good behaviour for one year when he appeared in the San Fernando Traffic Court. He pleaded guilty to the offence.

The truck, which is being kept at the Licensing Department in San Fernando, will be used as evidence, police said.

Barnwell will be taken to the San Fernando Magistrates Court this morning.

His arrest has come days after parents of the crash victims called for justice. They claimed that if the police failed, they would take the matter in their own hands.