SWMC employee crushed by overturned garbage truck

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – A young man said to be from the Prickley Pere Alley area lost his life shortly before 12 noon today (Nov. 12) after being crushed by a garbage collection truck on which he travelled.

The incident occurred along Bourryeaux Range (between Molyneaux and Christchurch) and had involved one vehicle, P7661, the property of the Solid Waste Management Corporation (SWMC).

When this publication arrived on the scene, it found the vehicle resting on its top on the eastern side of road with what appeared to be the lifeless remains of a human being lying a few feet from the wreck.

With several individuals lining the sides of the road, presumably attempting to make sense of the incident, police officers from the Crime Scene Unit, Traffic Department and nearby police stations processed the scene.

Unconfirmed reports reaching this publication suggest that the deceased – identified as Terrence ‘Tupac’ Johnson - was one of four individuals aboard the vehicle which was travelling towards Basseterre when the incident occurred.

The reports further suggest that while taking the corner, the vehicle – which was being operated by Oliver Maynard of the SWMC - encountered difficulty and overturned. The deceased, who was reportedly travelling on the outside of the vehicle, was crushed as it overturned.

This publication also understands that Johnson’s body was dismembered during the incident.

Maynard and the two other occupants of the vehicle were transported to the Joseph N. France General Hospital for treatment, but the extent of their injuries is yet unknown to this media house.

Head of the Police Force’s Press and Public Relations Office Inspector Lyndon David, when questioned about the incident shortly before 4:00 p.m., explained that the most he could do at that point was to confirm that a fatal accident took place.

He said he was in the process of gathering information and a press release would be subsequently distributed.

General Manager of the SWMC Alphonso Bridgewater told this publication that Johnson’s next-of-kin were informed of the unfortunate incident and that he sympathises with them on the loss.

He said the SWMC also feels the loss of Johnson, whom he described as a “great worker” who would have gone above and beyond the call of duty.

Bridgewater also said the Corporation is in the process of making inquiries into the circumstances of the incident.

And investigations are also being made by the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force.