Father, 3-m-o perish in ‘horrific’ Westmoreland crash

Western Bureau:

As the carnage on the Jamaican roads continues to snuff out lives in disturbing numbers, there was yet another horrendous motor vehicle crash in Water Works, in the Whithorn police area, in Westmoreland, yesterday morning, which claimed the lives of a young father and his infant child.

The deceased father, who was driving the ill-fated vehicle, has been identified as 22-year-old labourer Ranaldo Kirlew, of Galloway, Logwood, in Whithorn. The deceased child is three-month-old Dinero Kirlew.

According to Deputy Superintendent Shaunjaye Mitchell, who is in charge of operations in Westmoreland, the accident occurred about 7:30 a.m. when a Toyota Mark X motor car collided with a parked Toyota Axio.

“Initial reports suggest that speeding may have been a contributing factor to this devastating accident. Tragically, the driver of the Toyota Mark X and his infant child succumbed to the injuries they suffered,” said Mitchell. “Preliminary investigation indicates that the driver of the Mark X lost control of the vehicle, causing it to become airborne after crashing into the parked Toyota Axio.

According to people who witnessed the accident, Kirlew was travelling at a terrific speed when he seemingly lost control with the car drifting from side to side before it hit the parked vehicle, propelling the Mark X into the air.

“When the Mark X hit the Axio, the baby was thrown from the vehicle on impact and sailed through the air but landing on the road,” said the eyewitness. “The poor baby never had a chance. It was not a pretty sight.”

Following the accident, the Westmoreland police’s accident and reconstruction unit and officers from the Savanna-la-Mar Police Station visited the location where they commenced investigations.

“They are conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding this horrific crash,” said Mitchell. “We extend our deepest condolences to the family affected by this tragic incident. Our thoughts and prayers are with them in this incredibly difficult time.”

Mitchell also used the opportunity to urge motorist not to speed as speeding has emerged as the primary cause of most of the accidents occurring on the nation’s roads.

“We are reminding all motorists of the importance of adhering to the speed limits and exercising caution on the roads,” said Mitchell. “Speeding remains one of the leading causes of road fatalities and I urge drivers to slow down, remain vigilant and prioritise the safety of all road users.

“We as the police remain committed to enforcing toad safety laws and will work tirelessly to prevent such tragedies from occurring. We ask the public to cooperate and make our roads safer for everyone.”

– Adrian Frater