BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – SIX individuals reportedly suffered minor injuries after a motor pickup in which they were travelling was involved in an accident at the South East Peninsula earlier this week.
The incident, this publication understands, took place at about 5:00 on Monday (Jan. 16) afternoon, involving motor pickup PA6384 which was driven by Lenyn Muzine of West Farm.
This media house understands that Muzine – a contractor – was transporting his workers from a job site at the South East Peninsula when the incident occurred.
Head of the Traffic Department Inspector Cromwell Henry told SKNVibes that the circumstances, according to his understanding, are that motor lorry PA6384 was travelling down a hillside road at Turtle Beach when it ran off the road after the driver lost control.
He also explained that the passengers - who were in the bed (carriage tray) of the vehicle - complained of pain to the neck, knee and shoulder and were taken to the Joseph N. France General Hospital where they were treated and discharged.
Meanwhile, the Traffic Department is reminding motorists that “It is not acceptable for passengers or persons to be carried in the cargo bed of these pickup trucks or lorries”.
Inspector Henry explained to SKNVibes that when a vehicle is registered and licensed, it is done with the understanding that it would be used for a particular purpose, whether it be to transport passengers or cargo.
A vehicle registered to transport cargo, for example, should not be used for transporting people, Henry added.
“Some owners of these vehicles have indicated to us that that is the only means of transportation for their workers and that that is the only means of carrying cargo or materials related to their trade.
“They have also indicated to us that they are not willing to install permanent seating in the cargo bed of their vehicles in order for them to securely transport passengers, as it would prevent them from carrying their tools or materials. Our answer to that is if you choose cargo, stick to that. A vehicle could only be registered and licensed for one particular purpose at a time, not two.”
