A devastating minivan accident in Overland on Thursday afternoon resulted in one fatality and left multiple individuals hospitalized, including students from local communities. The incident occurred approximately at 5:20 p.m. near the Bailey bridge approach toward Sandy Bay, where a white Toyota Hiace van (registration H8860) veered off the roadway and descended an embankment.
Authorities confirmed the deceased as 74-year-old Mary Bracken, a domestic worker from Sandy Bay. Initial police reports inaccurately indicated two fatalities, which was subsequently corrected to a single death following further investigation.
The vehicle, which typically transports students from Fancy and Owia to Georgetown Secondary School, was carrying 18 passengers in addition to the driver and conductor at the time of the accident. Notably, investigative sources indicate that the van’s regular student transport driver was not operating the vehicle during the tragic incident.
Emergency services responded promptly to the scene, transporting injured individuals to medical facilities where two remain hospitalized. The Royal Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force has launched a comprehensive investigation to determine the exact circumstances and contributing factors behind the accident, including road conditions, vehicle mechanical integrity, and driver credentials.