Bus overturns in Fern Gully, road closed

Motorists who traverse Fern Gully in St Ann were inconvenienced yesterday and will be for sometime as emergency officials work feverishly to make accessible the roadway that was blocked after a bus transporting teachers overturned and caught fire.

Officials at the National Works Agency (NWA) say an oil spill, which was caused during the accident, is likely to lead to further delays, as it will have to be removed before the roadway is opened.

Information reaching THE STAR is that over 40 passengers, including members of staff of the Eltham High School and their family members, escaped serious injuries while they were en route to an outing in Montego Bay.

hit a stonewall

THE STAR gathered, however, that some of the passengers on the bus were rushed to hospital for treatment.

Reports are that about 11 a.m. the bus was travelling (downhill) through Fern Gully when it hit a stonewall on the left and careened across the road, crashing into an embankment.

Our news team was told that while the frantic passengers were making their exit, fire was seen coming from the front of the bus. The Ocho Rios fire department were summoned and assisted in putting out the blaze.

The St Ann police told our news team that the Chalky Hill/ Steer Town main road can be used as an alternative route by motorist.

Investigation into the accident is ongoing.