BASSETERRE, St. Kitts — FOUR individuals were treated for injuries following a traffic accident yesterday (May 8) in the St. Peter’s area, near the newly constructed roundabout.
Video footage from the scene showed passengers being assisted out of one of the two buses involved. One of the drivers sustained a serious wound to the hand and wrist, with visible bleeding.
According to a statement from the Police Force’s Public Relations Department, the accident occurred between 12:00 p.m. and 12:30 p.m. along the island’s main road. It involved two motor omnibuses traveling from Monkey Hill to Basseterre. One bus reportedly attempted to overtake the other, resulting in a side collision. The impact caused one of the buses to swerve, flip, and overturn.
Police stated that four individuals suffered what were described as “minor injuries.” All four were transported to the Joseph N. France General Hospital for treatment.
In recent months, police have increased efforts to combat erratic driving, which has contributed to at least four fatalities. Earlier this year, the government introduced legislation to Parliament aimed at stiffening penalties for dangerous driving, driving under the influence, and other serious traffic offenses.
Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Adlai Smith recently emphasized the applicability of the charge Manslaughter by Gross Negligence in traffic-related deaths. In a national address, he explained that Manslaughter by Gross Negligence applies when a person having a duty to take reasonable care breaches that duty so seriously that it results in the death of another. Now in the context of road usage this can include reckless or dangerous driving practises. It is a very serious offence that carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
Over the past six months, the Federation has seen a surge in serious road accidents, raising public concern over driver behavior. The issue came to a head in January when a four-month-old infant was killed in a traffic incident. In response, the government amended legislation to increase penalties for drivers who fail to use car seats or transport young children without proper safety measures.
Smith further stated, "Causing death in these circumstances Manslaughter by Gross Negligence carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. Now my office believes that in light of the alarming rise in fatal traffic accidents the time has come to consider in appropriate cases charges of manslaughter rather than treating road deaths as mere traffic infractions,"
He also reminded public transportation operators that they carry an elevated duty of care for their passengers, emphasizing that “the risk posed by negligent or reckless public service driving in the federation is real - and it is deadly”.
Several individuals have recently been charged in connection with fatal accidents across the country.
