Nigerian doctor killed in St Mary crash

A motor vehicle crash along the Golden Valley main road in Castleton, St Mary, has claimed the life of a 36-year-old Nigerian medical doctor and left three of his colleagues injured.

The deceased has been identified as Dr Ubong Etti, who was based at the Annotto Bay Hospital.

According to police reports, the crash occurred about 5:50 a.m. on Sunday as the group of doctors was travelling from Kingston to Annotto Bay. Etti was a passenger in a blue Honda Fit with three other doctors when the driver reportedly swerved to avoid an oncoming vehicle. The car struck an embankment and plunged into a nearby precipice, eventually coming to rest at the edge of a river.

Emergency services were called to the scene, and all four occupants were rushed to hospital. Etti was pronounced dead, while the others were treated for various injuries. The crash remains under investigation.

The North-East Regional Health Authority (NERHA), where Etti served, remembered him as a "dedicated medical doctor" who was deeply committed to his work.

In a statement, NERHA hailed the contribution of the doctors.

"All four doctors serve as intern medical officers in various departments as part of the conditions of medical internship at the Annotto Bay Hospital for about six months, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of our communities," it said.

Dr Glenton Strachan, senior medical officer at the Annotto Bay Hospital, expressed deep sorrow at the loss.

"The entire staff is finding it extremely difficult to cope with this loss," he said.

He also stated, "In times like these, we come together and find solace in our collective determination to function despite the circumstances. We pray for the full and swift recovery of our Nigerian and Ghanaian doctors who were injured in the accident."

Jamaica recorded 365 road fatalities in 2024. As of April 17, a total of 105 people have died in traffic collisions -- a 21 per cent decline compared to the same period in 2024.