JUTC driver injured in Temple Hall crash
Published:Friday | December 11, 2020 | 12:16 AMAndre Williams/Staff Reporter
A Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) bus yesterday overturned along the Temple Hall main road in St Andrew, causing injuries to the driver, who was the sole occupant of the unit.
Though his injuries are not considered life-threatening, the incident, which reportedly happened about 11 a.m., caused a scare for other motorists and residents in the area, as it downed power lines.
Bystanders told The Gleaner yesterday that, while being assisted from the wrecked bus, the driver complained of issues with the vehicle.
Several bystanders told The Gleaner that the driver, while being assisted from the wrecked vehicle, complained of its faultiness.
An officer from the Stony Hill Fire Station told The Gleaner that they responded to a call about the mishap at 11:15 a.m. and dispatched a crew to render assistance.
The bus reportedly collided with a parked tow truck before ending up in the ditch.
Neil Millanaise, who owns the wrecker, told The Gleaner that he had just parked the truck by his gate and went to attend to other business.
“I just came back from Portmore with the truck and park it, and, by time I went up the road, I got a call. I didn’t bother to move. I just sat in the vehicle,” he said, adding that his business would be impacted in the downtime because of the crash.
When contacted, JUTC Corporate Communications Manager Cecil Thoms told The Gleaner that he was awaiting a report and was unable to give an official statement.
He also said he could not respond to allegations surrounding the defectiveness of the bus.
The Road Safety Unit is reporting that 400 persons had lost their lives in 357 crashes this year, up to December 8.
Vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, pedal cyclists, motorcyclists and pillion riders, account for 65 per cent of the fatalities.
Fatal crashes and deaths have, however, declined by five per cent and two per cent, respectively, year on year.