Transport Authority probing fatal Clarendon crash, Vaz wants report

The Transport Authority is investigating reports that one of its teams was chasing one the vehicles involved in Monday's fatal crash along the Bustamante Highway in Clarendon.

The authority is the agency that regulates the public transportation sector in Jamaica.

Since the early-morning crash, which resulted in the deaths of two Lennon High School students and the injury of three others, there have been widespread claims that one of the vehicles involved, a Subaru motor vehicle, was operating as an illegal taxi and was being chased by a team from the authority.

The students were died were travelling in the Subaru.

Merdina Callum, Corporate Communications Manager at the authority, acknowledged that the agency was aware of the claims and that a “robot” taxi was involved in the crash.

“So we have to investigate and determine whether the allegations are correct. So that part is under investigation,” she told The Gleaner on Monday.

In public statement earlier today, the transport regulator expressed “deep sadness and regret” for the deaths of the two students and the injuries sustained by other victims.

A team from the agency's investigative unit has been dispatched to the site of the crash, the statement said.

“As more information becomes available, updates will be provided by way of media release,” it said, while urging commuters to only use legal public transportation.

Meanwhile, Transport Minister Daryl Vaz has expressed sadness at the tragic accident and indicated that the authorities are working diligently to investigate the cause of the crash and ensure that those responsible are held to account.

Vaz said he has asked the Transport Authority to provide a report.

“The Transport Authority has a no chasing and no blocking policy. This means that teams from the Transport Authority are not allowed to chase neither red nor white plates,” he stated.

It was noted that the Transport Authority upgraded the level for seizure authorisation to the rank of Area Supervisor, which means the Route Inspector and Senior Inspectors cannot by themselves carry out a seizure of vehicles.

The Transport Ministry says is committed to continuing its work with the Jamaica Constabulary Force, the Island Traffic Authority, and the Transport Authority to ensure safer road conditions and stricter enforcement of traffic laws.

“I urge all Jamaicans to take personal responsibility for their safety and the safety of others on the road. Now, more than ever, we must all commit to driving and walking responsibly, avoiding distractions, and respecting speed limits,” said Vaz.

“I urge all drivers, passengers, and road users to exercise extra caution and adhere strictly to road traffic laws to prevent collisions. Reckless driving, speeding, and non-compliance with road safety regulations put lives at risk, and it is critical that we all play our part in preventing further tragedies. Passengers please speak out on the reckless driving and do not condone this behaviour,” he underscored.

Meanwhile, Vaz indicated that a proposal for the operations of the rural transportation for students has been completed by the Transport Ministry and will be presented to Cabinet on Monday of next week.

Following the expansion of the Montego Metro Bus Service, the Jamaica Urban Transit Company also commence operations in St Thomas this week.

- Livern Barrett 

Follow The Gleaner on X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.