Police say three women who were involved in the fiery altercation last week that left one woman in critical condition are now facing criminal charges. The incident has drawn nationwide attention and divided Jamaicans between those who defended and those who condemned the actions of a Westmoreland pump attendant.
The attendant was at a gas station in Whithorn when the fight occurred between her and two other women, one of whom was doused in gasoline and set ablaze. During the altercation, one of the women also sustained stab injuries. All three women were transported to the hospital, and on Monday, police said that “charges are anticipated” after the case file is reviewed by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The Jamaica Constabulary Force noted that it already recorded statements and it is now preparing to submit the report to the DPP. The police have not yet released the full details of the incident, but preliminary information says the three women were arguing and a fight ensued. When the fight was over, one of the women had burns covering 70 per cent of her body.
The burn victim, identified as 40-year-old Dacia Forrester, was taken to the hospital for emergency treatment and was later transferred to the Cornwall Regional Hospital for specialised care. After the incident, Forrester’s family pleaded to the public for donations toward having her airlifted from Jamaica to a hospital in the United States for advanced treatment.
During the emotional plea, Forrester’s sister, Carol Blackwood-Hewitt, expressed that she did not want to lose her sibling, whose birthday is on February 26. Co-founder of the Burn Foundation of Jamaica, Stephen Josephs, also confirmed that the victim suffered third-degree burns and said they are now racing against time to get her transferred for the life-saving treatment she desperately needs. The cost to airlift the victim is US$55,000, which is the goal set on the family’s GoFundMe. Josephs said that an air ambulance is on standby to swiftly transfer the patient as soon as the money is raised.