[UPDATED] 3 killed, 3 injured in Tobago smash-up

THE COUNTRY’S road death toll for 2024 rose to 88 following a car accident which claimed the lives of three young women in Tobago early on October 19.

The victims have been identified as Aaliyah Williams, 20; Makeda Fraser, 23; and Patrice Juli Webb.

A police report stated that around 2.54 am, Dejorn Dookie, was driving a white Nissan Latio, PDY 6538, south along Shirvan Road when he collided with a silver Mitsubishi Lancer, PDK 9001, driven by Kino Kerr, near to Le Grand Courland Spa Resort, Black Rock.

Kerr was reportedly driving in the opposite direction, in the middle of the roadway.

Police said Williams and Fraser, who were among three occupants in the Nissan Latio, died on the spot. Webb, a passenger in the Lancer, also died on impact.

Dookie, Kerr and Ricardo Toussaint sustained serious injuries and were taken to the Scarborough General Hospital where they remain warded in serious condition.

Both cars were also severely damaged.

Visiting the scene were Insp Campbell, Sgt Yorke, Cpl Ewing, acting W/Cpl Ramsey and others. Cpl Elder and a team from the Criminal Records Office were also on the scene.

Commenting on the accident, head of the Tobago Division ACP Oswain Subero extended condolences to the families of the deceased on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, executive of the TTPS and his own leadership team.

Saying the investigators were trying to determine what caused the accident, Subero urged road users to be vigilant.

“Remember, you are not driving for yourself, you are driving for those in your care and for the other drivers on the roadway,” he said.

As the October carnival season enters its home stretch, Subero urged drivers to exercise caution.

“We are approaching the carnival season in Tobago and there is going to be a lot of activities throughout the island that involves many factors, such as long days, late nights, early mornings, alcohol. I want to plead with members of the public to please be vigilant and take all necessary precautions on the roadways.”

He said in light of the upcoming festivities, “The public can rest assured that law enforcement will be actively ensuring road safety and compliance of the laws.”

Subero also urged people to avoid driving under the influence of alcohol.

“Plan ahead by designating a driver or using alternative transportation if consuming alcohol.”

Drivers, Subero said, also must control their speed.

“It’s critical to prioritise safety over speed – arriving safely is more important than rushing. Rest when needed. Fatigue can be deadly.”

He said if drivers find that they are sleepy they should find a safe place to rest and contact someone to come for them.

Subero said drivers also must adapt to weather conditions.

“If visibility is impaired due to weather, pull over until it’s safe to continue.”

Police road safety co-ordinator Brent Batson said the country now has 88 road deaths compared to 85 for the same period in 2023.

“This just coming off reports of a woman that was killed by a driver who lost control of his SUV in Mayaro on Friday,” he said via WhatsApp.

Saying fatal accidents can be prevented, Batson said from a public safety standpoint, the police will continue their road policing efforts in enforcement.

But he said drivers “also need to operate vehicles understanding that unsafe use will quickly and easily result in severe injury or as we just witnessed in Tobago, death."

Batson said speeding, lack of seatbelt use and driving under the influence continue to be the main threats to safety on the roadways.

He added the TTPS alongside partner stakeholders like Arrive Alive will continue efforts to change the unsafe and irresponsible practices often engaged in by some road users.

THA Minority Leader Kelvon Morris said he was deeply saddened to learn of the tragic accident and his heart goes out to the families of the young women.

But he said as the carnival season approaches its climax, “it is crucial for all of us to remember the importance of road safety, particularly when alcohol is involved.”

Morris urged everyone to act responsibly as one poor decision can have irreversible consequences.

“Additionally, I encourage event promoters and bar owners to consider creating sober zones or alternative options to help ensure that no driver takes to the road under the influence so we can all enjoy this carnival safely.”

This story has been adjusted to include additional details. See original post below.

A ROAD ACCIDENT in Tobago on October 19 has claimed the lives of three people.

The names of the deceased have not yet been released.

Police said around 2.54 am, a white Nissan Latio with three occupants was travelling south on Shirvan Road when it collided with a silver Mitsubishi Lancer, near Le Grand Courlan Spa Resort, Black Rock.

Both vehicles were seriously damaged and three people were taken to the Scarborough General Hospital, where they later died.

Investigations are continuing.