BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE Traffic Department is reporting that when Tropical Storm (TS) Rafael was passing across the island between noon yesterday (Oct. 13) and 7:00 that evening, a total of six vehicles were swept along heavily-flowing ghauts and two traffic accidents occurred along the F. T. Williams Highway.
Prior to the arrival of TS Rafael, warnings and reminders were issued that persons should refrain from endeavouring to cross watercourses during the passage of the storm and to park their vehicles in areas that are not prone to flooding.
Head of the Traffic Department Inspector Cromwell Henry told this publication that – according to information he received – five vehicles were swept along Westbourne Ghaut and one along a ghaut in West Farm.
He said the vehicles, which were carried by water down Westbourne Ghaut, were a taxi, a motor omnibus and three private vehicles. And that which was carried over a ghaut in West Farm is a van belonging to the St. Kitts Bottling Company.
He explained that the driver of the latter had made an attempt to cross the watercourse, but in the process developed some difficulty.
The driver, Orville Chumney of Taylor’s Housing Project, was however able to escape the ordeal alive and unharmed.
The drivers of the other vehicles failed to heed the warnings to remove their vehicles from known watercourses, which resulted in them being swept away.
Inspector Henry has also informed that during that same period, two accidents occurred along the F. T. Williams Highway in the vicinity of the back of the St. Kitts-Nevis Defence Force Camp.
He explained that both “took the curve too fast for the road conditions” and one - P64 - overturned on the seaside of the road and the other – PA3159 - ran into the drain on the mountain side of the road. Both were travelling eastward along the road when the incidents occurred.
The Traffic Head reported that no serious injuries resulted from the occurrences but the vehicles sustained significant damage.
With rainy conditions expected to prevail throughout today, Inspector Henry is imploring motorists to ensure they use the island’s roadways cautiously.
“That particular stretch of road is known for its slipperiness when wet and we continue to see a number of drivers losing control of their vehicles in that area. We urge motorists to take extra caution when roads are wet, reducing speed significantly. I would recommend that it be reduced by half in a 40-mile-per-hour zone, because your vehicle has less traction on wet or sandy roads and there is also the risk of hydroplaning.”
The extent of damage caused by TS Rafael is yet to be determined but Inspector Henry advised that two portions of the Bay Road – one between the Fisheries Complex and Craft House and the other between College Street and the Gardens – are closed to vehicular traffic as there is considerable build-up of sand, debris and water. The build-up makes it impassable by vehicular traffic and crews from the Public Works Department are currently working to clear the areas.
“We are asking motorists and onlookers to stay clear of these areas so as to not hamper the smooth operations of the heavy equipment and also to ensure your safety.”
