Children injured in scary bus crash

Scores of families are breathing a sigh of relief after a horrific accident in rural St Andrew yesterday that left several schoolchildren injured.

The children, who attend Louise Bennett-Coverley Primary and St Martin de Porres Primary schools, were being transported in a Hiace bus when it crashed in the hilly Dublin Castle area. Parents, relatives and residents frantically rushed to the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI), where the students were taken for treatment. As they waited at the Accident and Emergency unit, families and friends huddled together, some relieved, but many still anxious to hear the final word from doctors.

Violet Murray, a family friend of a student, recalled the panic when she got the call.

"A work him mother deh and get the call and she call me because I work at UWI. When mi see it pon the news mi belly shift because it neva look good," she told THE STAR. "She reach an hour after me and she was in bad shape. After a while the doctor dem say him alright and a so she relax little."

Murray said the atmosphere inside the hospital was overwhelming.

"All people who nuh have pickney inna the accident come show them support," she said.

Marlon Morgan, parliamentary secretary in the information ministry, said students received varying degrees of injury.

"Some had minor bruises, some were burned by the hot water from the radiator, but all in all, the students in the main have been assessed and have been treated by the medical team. Some have been sent home and others are waiting to be seen to just finalise the medical attention so that they can be sent home," he said last night.

He added that while the bus driver sustained the more serious injuries, there was a collective sigh of relief as there was no fatality.

"Three persons are still undergoing treatment, but they are in a stable condition," he noted.

Krystal Lee, state minister in the health ministry, said 25 persons were taken from the crash, and 21 had been released.

"We have three remaining, including the driver of the vehicle that still remains in hospital, but they are in stable condition," she said, also praising the medical team at UHWI for their swift response.

Sheena Taylor Morgan, principal of Louise Bennett-Coverley Primary, said 11 of her students were on board.

"Most of the students, they were looked at, did X-rays, and they're just waiting now to be sent home," she explained. "There were bruises and different things that were happening with them in terms of their necks. However, I am very happy to know that none of the students were seriously hurt and to know that there is no fatality."

Taylor Morgan admitted that she was initially shaken, as she did not know the extent of the injuries.

"I had to come out. I could not sleep tonight if I didn't see the students," she said. Counselling teams from the education ministry are expected at the school today to support students and staff.

However, in a second crash later in the day, four more persons were brought to the hospital. One woman was confirmed dead.

Morgan urged motorists to be diligent, careful and responsible in their road usage.