Man crushed by truck

Fatal crashes continue to wreak havoc throughout western Jamaica. The latest victim has been identified as 52-year-old Collin Smith, of a Namprel Road address also in Westmoreland. He was killed last Saturday along Bowen main road in Sheffield.

"We are again appealing to motorists to desist from speeding when travelling along the major roadways," one senior police officer told the WESTERN STAR. "Over the past weeks the parish of Westmoreland has seen a significant increase in road accidents and fatalities, comparing to last year. Most of these accidents stem from motorists who are speeding, and these actions result in careless driving."

The senior cop noted that Westmoreland was way ahead in road fatalities and urged motorists to travel with caution.

"Also be extra vigilant when travelling in built-up areas which have stop lights, intersections and pedestrian crossings," the cop said.

Reports by the police are that about noon last Saturday, Smith was driving a white Toyota Corolla station wagon motor car along the Bowen main road.

On reaching a section of the roadway, the driver of a motor truck, who has been identified as Floyd Payne, of Mandeville in Manchester, lost control of the truck which ran across the roadway and crashed into the vehicle being driven by Smith.

The truck drove over the entire top section of the motor car before overturning along the roadway.

Smith's vehicle was ripped to shreds; he died on the spot. The driver of the truck was also taken to hospital where he was treated, and warned for prosecution.

Since the start of 2019, Westmoreland has seen an increase in road fatalities, with 30 persons losing their lives in 29 road accidents, compared to 26 persons dying in 21 accidents during the corresponding period last year.

Eighty-five persons have died in 77 road accidents throughout western Jamaica.