Following the death of a 12-year-old boy who was fatally hit by a car on the Prospect main road a week ago, the police have disclosed that another boy was badly injured after getting hit by a vehicle a short distance from the first accident.
The incident occurred on Monday, and the police shared that the boy had apparently walked from his home onto the main road. The driver of the vehicle reported the accident to the Alligator Pond Police Station.
He told the police that the 9-year-old walked into the path of his vehicle on the road. The car was seized by the police as they continue to investigate the accident.
Councillor Omar Robinson, of the People’s National Party (PNP) Alligator Pond division, shared that the boy’s parents are uncertain of what will happen to their son, as both of his hands were broken during the accident. According to Robinson, the driver was still in shock when he spoke to him about the incident.
On August 5, 12-year-old Malique Barnes was fatally hit by a Toyota Hiace while attempting to cross the road on his bicycle. The accident sparked protests and increased concern for children’s safety while travelling on local roads.
In light of the troubling closeness of both accidents, Councillor Robinson urged parents and motorists to be cautious and watchful as they use the nation’s roads.
“My plea at this time is for both motorists and parents to exercise caution, and especially for that area which is now a hotspot… We learnt about a speed limit of 80 kilometres per hour that I am questioning. Drivers, the area is a built-up area… It is an area that children traverse to and from districts by crossing the road; it is an area that you must realise that you are close to a school zone, and the children are on holiday,” Robinson said.
He also urged parents to make sure that they are properly supervising their children, instructing them on road safety, and are aware of their whereabouts. Robinson added that a prayer vigil will be held “to take charge of that area and have it sanctified.”
