Traffic was heavily backed up on the John Compton Highway Thursday morning after a black Toyota Rush and a grey Suzuki Swift collided at approximately 9:40 a.m.
The crash left both vehicles severely damaged. Both drivers involved shared their harrowing experiences with St. Lucia Times.
Meilane James, the driver of the Suzuki Swift, recounted the moment.
James recalled travelling North in the outer lane of the dual carriageway when the Toyota Rush emerged suddenly from the Beachcomber Gap, colliding with his vehicle.
The impact sent the Swift crashing over the barrier and onto the opposite side of the road, where the vehicle flipped onto its side.
Despite the rapid sequence of events, James described the incident as if it unfolded in slow motion.
“I saw everything happening so slow,” James said. “I have some pain in the back of my neck and upper back.”
Pierre McFarlane, the driver of the Toyota Rush, disclosed that he was on his way to get breakfast as he celebrated his birthday. He had just borrowed the vehicle from a friend for the occasion.
McFarlane explained what he observed as he approached the Beachcomber gap to swing onto the highway carriageway.
“I came from in by Beachcomber, and when I reach in the gap, I check and there were two vehicles to the back, in the corner that were coming. I swung my car, heard a noise, felt a blow to my head, and then saw the vehicle gliding against the wall,” he stated.
McFarlane sent a message to fellow drivers in light of the recent increase in accidents.
“You are not the only one on the road. Be careful when you drive. If we take our time and drive for others, a lot of accidents can be avoided,” he observed.
Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene, where both vehicles sustained extensive damage.
So you coming from the Beachcomber gap and you already end up in the inner lane at that location. That means you attempted to go into the inner lane directly from exiting that gap. That is a no no. You first merge into the outer lane. Then when it is safe you move into the inner lane. You caused that accident buddy. They also pull off this stupid stunt at the Bisee gap and exiting from Gablewoods.
I blame driving schools for this ” go into the furthermost lane” practice coming from a junction because it happens far too often– they do it from lance road onto the highway at jn marie gas station, they do it coming from Bisee gap, they do it coming from Automotaive art, too pa too they do it!!! Just dumb drivers and dumb driving instructors these days.
Saw video of the accident. Black Rush caused the accident. End of story.
@Breakanic, thank you…another place notorious for this is L’anse Road…they come out of that gap and head straight into the outer lane….the logic of some people is questionable here i tell you.
Its time the Police act on these driving license and put points to deduct when you in accident, we never hear weather the driver was drunk or health issues, eye sight or drugs. No test is done . You know if everyone takes their time lots of accidents would be avoided. The swift had a great spped to flip over the barrier like that. All could be avoided. Look at the garages today, pack up with vehicles to repair, some will not even repair cause the owners cant afford. Mr. acting comissioner, its time we have mobile police station at these high frequents accident Places and all round abouts should have a motocycle Police, both day and night. Dont tell me you dont have enough man power for that
@Georgie. Any clown in St. Lucia can become a driving instructor. That explains the madness we see on the roads.
But birthday boy is a dam moron. Even his statement shows is his fault. You see 2 vehicles approaching but you still enter the road. And worse you cross into the inner lane while merging. Is idiots like that causing people insurance to rise. And then he still had the audacity to say ” drive for others”. Gassa I woulda come out of my swift and bust mate a$$ for his bday.
The only lesson I learned there is “NEVER LEND ANYONE YOUR VEHICLE”. Look how that luhmeh wor mash up the person Rush. Smh. Un den he saying he looked. He eh no look.
Real thing @Mike… Mate deserve a beating.
And then he wants to talk about driving for others. He wasn’t driving for other before the accident he caused …. Choopse tun
SAVES LIFE❗
LIFE IS PRECIOUS ❗
You can get a drivers license very easily in St Lucia. Doesn’t mean you can drive! Regulate the driving instructors.
Birthday driver will have to buy his friend another vehicle.
SMH @ these comments regardless which lane birthday boy was in why is this guy so fast approaching a junction Unsafe driving. Hitting from behind to. I guess his brakes wasn’t working What if someone was crossing hence why so many accidents. Jan know St Lucia is so unsafe these days Lord put a hand