A 10-year-old boy was killed in a motor vehicle incident involving a Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC). The incident happened in the Vineyard Town community in St Andrew on Thursday morning. The child, identified as Shamarie Sharp of Central Avenue, was struck along 4th Avenue at about 7:20 a.m. After being hit, Sharp was rushed to the hospital with multiple injuries, but despite efforts to save him, he was pronounced dead.
By mid-morning, the JUTC confirmed that one of its buses was involved. In its statement, the company expressed deep remorse, saying it “deeply regret[s] this unfortunate incident” and extending condolences to the family of the young boy whose life was lost.
According to the JUTC, all requested information is being provided as investigators work to understand exactly what happened. The company emphasised that it is offering full cooperation to ensure the process is transparent and thorough.
Additionally, the JUTC noted that the driver involved, along with any other staff members emotionally impacted by the event, will be offered professional counselling. The company said this support is important, as incidents like this can trigger significant anxiety and trauma for those directly or indirectly involved.
Even as it addresses the internal and investigative aspects of the situation, the JUTC is also appealing to the wider public. In its statement, the company urged Jamaicans to remain calm and patient while the authorities carry out their work. It also encouraged empathy toward staff members who may be struggling as they process the tragedy.
A month earlier, another serious accident left a teenager fighting for his life. In October, a 15-year-old autistic boy, identified in a video as Sheldon Graham, was critically injured after being hit by a vehicle along the highway in Negril, Westmoreland. Reports say he had been running and playing across the busy roadway around 5 p.m. when he stepped into traffic and was struck, sending him several feet from the impact. Residents rushed to help before he was taken to the Savanna-la-Mar Hospital, where he was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit.