The Island has recorded its fifth road fatality for the year with the death of a 69-year-old Hamilton Parish man.

Over the weekend, Derek Smith died and in a separatetwo men were left in serious condition at the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.

Mr. Smith was involved in an accident on January 18 on North Shore Road in Hamilton Parish.

He died on Saturday morning as a result of those injuries.

A Police statement said Mr. Smith was trying to cross the street near Workmen's Lane that evening. A car heading east stopped to let him cross, but a motorcycle travelling west hit him.

At the time, Mr Smith, of Hamilton Parish sustained head and internal injuries while the rider of the motorcycle, a 23-year-old woman sustained facial injuries and pains to her abdomen, right elbow and right leg.

In a statement yesterday, a Police spokesman confirmed the death of Mr. Smith and said: "The Bermuda Police Service extends condolences to the family & friends of Mr. Smith. Inquiries into this matter are ongoing."

Opposition Public safety Minister Michael Dunkley offered condolences to Mr. Smith's family and said: "I know it's probably difficult since it was a long time from the accident. I think it's appropriate to remember that in spite of some of the efforts that we are trying to do, road safety remains a challenge.

"We need to use this opportunity to stimulate people to use their best habits on the road. Even the Police will crack down occasionally but It appears that too many of us drive without regard for their own personal safety or the safety of others.

"I fail to understand why we have so many deaths with a speed limit that's so slow."

Meanwhile, a 22-year-old Devonshire man and a 28-year-old Paget man were involved in an accident leaving both of them in hospital.

A statement said: "Around 4.45 a.m. on Saturday, Police attended a reported serious road traffic collision resulting in injury on South Road in Paget near the junction with St. Paul's Lane involving two motorcycles.

"Details about how the collision occurred are unclear at this time, however, it appears that the motorcycles were travelling in opposite directions when they collided."

The Devonshire man sustained facial injuries and the Paget man, an Indian national, sustained serious head injuries.

Both men were taken to hospital for treatment and the Paget man was flown to Boston for medical treatment.

Police are appealing for any witnesses to this collision or anyone with any information to contact PC Elihu Holmes on 295-0011.