Car crashes into river in St Mary, woman dies after being swept away

A woman on Monday died in St Mary after the car she was travelling in lost control and plunged into a river, and she was swept away by the water while trying to get to safety.

She has been identified by the police as 31-year-old Shirnell Maxine Ettienne, a national of Trinidad and Tobago.

The incident happened along the Agualta Vale main road, in the vicinity of the Wag Water Bridge, the police reported.

According to a police report, around 10:30 a.m., a Toyota Corolla Altis motor car was travelling west along the roadway when, on reaching a left-hand corner near the Wag Water Bridge, the driver lost control of the vehicle.

The car reportedly veered across the roadway and then plunged into the river below.

“The occupants managed to escape from the vehicle; however, Ms Ettienne was swept away by the strong current after losing her footing while attempting to get to safety,” said Superintendent Anthony Wallace, head of the St Mary Police Division.

“Her body was subsequently recovered by a resident in the area,” he added.

Wallace said she was transported to the Annotto Bay Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

“The other occupants were also taken to hospital, where they received medical attention for injuries sustained.”

Wallace is appealing to drivers to traverse roadways in a safe manner.

“The St Mary police are reminding motorists to exercise extreme caution when travelling on roadways, particularly in areas with sharp bends and during wet or hazardous conditions. Drivers are urged to obey the speed limit, remain alert, and operate their vehicles in a manner that ensures the safety of all road users.”

Investigations into the incident are ongoing.

- Gareth Davis Snr

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