St. Kitts Nevis PM offers condolences
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – It was a tragic yet ironic incident when a bus filled with passengers – who were returning from attending a funeral – plummeted over a cliff in St. Lucia on Thursday (Nov. 10) killing 17 people.
According to reports, when the minibus left the cliff it plunged into the sea “in the south-east area of Mount Sion in Choiseul”.
Initial reports suggest that it occurred at approximately 8:00 p.m. and that it had resulted in the death of 13 with one fighting for their live at the hospital.
Since then, reports are that a total of 17 persons lost their lives in the deadly crash, which has been described as the worst in St. Lucia’s history.
According to a Caribbean360 report, “Eyewitnesses said the bodies were lined up on a beach after being pulled from the wreckage…”
According to Stabroek News, the Associated Press reported that amongst the dead individuals were a pregnant woman, an infant and the driver of the vehicle, 47-year-old Michael Alexander.
“It was said that he apparently missed a turn in the road and plunged 50 feet down a cliff…Police are investigating what caused the accident…It has left the island of 160 000 in deep mourning and shock,” Stabroek News reported.
Stabroek News further indicates that the deceased individuals were all from Micoud Village which sits in the Dugard community, Fond-Lor. The village is located on the east coast of the island.
Needless to say, that community and the entire St. Lucia community were plunged into a state of mourning since the incident took place.
The Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr. Denzil L. Douglas, has offered condolences to the people of St. Lucia on their tragic loss through that country’s Prime Minister, Stephenson King.
“During this period of mourning, please be assured of our nation's and region's prayers and support. We are especially mindful of the psychological and emotional difficulties being experienced by survivors of the accident and those family members, friends who mourn the loss of their loved ones so tragically and pray for their continued protection and healing in the fullness of time.
“It is my fervent hope that your nation and indeed, family and friends of the injured, the deceased do not mourn like those without hope, but instead rely on their resilience to rise above their current distress,” the St. Kitts and Nevis leader expressed.
