Kijani Burgess, 16, has been identified as the first person to die on Bermuda’s roads this year.

Kijani died after a collision yesterday afternoon near Scaur Hill in Sandys.

A police spokesman said: “It has since been confirmed that the teen was riding a 50cc scooter — not a motorcycle as originally stated — east along Somerset Road 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 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 (lights and sirens) activated, 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.”

Police said despite life-saving efforts by EMTs both at the scene and in an ambulance on the way to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, Kijani was pronounced dead.

The police spokesman added: “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 and Rescue Service personnel travelling in the fire truck.

“A full investigation regarding the circumstances of this fatal crash — the first for 2020 — is ongoing.”

Any witnesses that have not yet come forward are urged to contact Pc Dennis Joell at the Roads Policing Unit on 247-1788, 717-2221 or by e-mail at djoell@bps.bm.