Tragic Collision on Norman Manley Boulevard Claims Three Lives

A somber atmosphere enveloped Hanover on Tuesday evening as news broke of a devastating two-vehicle crash along the bustling Norman Manley Boulevard. The accident, which occurred around 5:50 p.m., resulted in the tragic loss of three lives and left two others injured, highlighting the urgent need for road safety in Jamaica.

The Victims

The deceased have been identified as 65-year-old Calbert Hart from Cousins Cove, 47-year-old Owen Jackson from Cauldwell, and 37-year-old Ricardo Baylis, a labourer from Haughton, Green Island. Each of these men was a cherished member of their community, and their untimely deaths have left friends and family in deep mourning.

The Incident

According to reports from the Green Island police, the incident unfolded when a pickup truck was traveling west towards Negril. For reasons still under investigation, the driver lost control of the vehicle. Eyewitnesses described the pickup veering off its path and crashing into a green motor car driven by Jackson. The impact was catastrophic, leading to immediate fatalities for Hart and Jackson at the scene.

Baylis, who was also involved in the crash, was rushed to the hospital but sadly succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment. The driver of the pickup and another passenger from the motor car were also hospitalized, adding to the growing concern over road safety in the area.

A Growing Concern

Dr. Lucien Jones, Vice Chair of the National Road Safety Council, expressed his alarm over the rising number of road fatalities in Jamaica. "The preliminary analysis of what took place and what caused the crash yesterday is a recurring decimal—excess speeding, skidding, and losing control," he lamented. "This translates into drivers just going way too quickly, which is a major problem in our country that we need to absolutely overcome."

Dr. Jones pointed out that this tragic incident is not an isolated case. Earlier this month, five people lost their lives in a single crash, and the statistics are alarming. "For this year, 43 private motor car drivers have now died compared to 37 last year, and 35 private motor car passengers have died compared to 23 last year," he noted. The total number of road fatalities this year has reached 207, a slight increase from 201 during the same period last year.

Community Reactions

The community is reeling from the news, with many residents expressing their frustration over the state of road safety. "It’s heartbreaking to see so many lives lost like this," said a local shopkeeper. "We need to do better as drivers and as a society. Speeding has become too common, and it’s costing us dearly."

Parents and guardians are particularly concerned, fearing for the safety of their loved ones on the roads. "Every time my child leaves the house, I worry," said a mother from Green Island. "We need stricter laws and more awareness about road safety."

Looking Ahead

As the community mourns the loss of these three men, the call for action grows louder. Will this tragic event serve as a wake-up call for drivers to prioritize safety over speed? The road ahead is fraught with challenges, but perhaps it’s time for a collective effort to make Jamaica’s roads safer for everyone.