As violence among students continues to raise concern, a group of schoolgirls was captured on camera attacking a female student on a rural school bus. The incident occurred in Ocho Rios, St Ann, on Wednesday.
The 22-second snippet of the video was shared on X on Thursday by the victim’s cousin, who has indicated that the assault was unprovoked. The cousin is seeking justice for the victim, whom she said was left injured after the beating.
While it is unclear how long the attack lasted, an extended version of the video is 40 seconds. A passenger recorded the footage after school ended around 3:45 p.m. It shows the victim, who was sitting near a window, surrounded by a swarm of students.
They can be seen striking her all over, particularly in the head and face, while she seemingly tries to shield herself. The video later shows other students, including males, separating the group from the victim after struggling to get in between them.
According to the victim’s cousin, the attackers are students who attend Marcus Garvey High School in St Ann. The cousin said the assault stemmed from a previous altercation aboard the bus. Based on the cousin’s claims, the victim was not involved in the initial dispute. However, the students turned on the victim and launched an attack.
The cousin further explained that the victim was in pain when she arrived at home. She also suffered swellings to her face and a bruised lip. On Thursday, the girl was transported to the hospital. The cousin added that the family would make a formal report to the police on Thursday evening after the hospital visit.
The relative expressed that the family is concerned that such an assault occurred on the rural school bus, which should have been a safer way for students to travel to and from school. However, the incident has demonstrated that students are not always safe from one another.
Transport Minister Daryl Vaz has since responded to the incident, sharing that the police were immediately informed about the assault on the same day of the attack. Minister Vaz said the bus driver contacted the police, and the bus was intercepted. He also noted that the ministry is assisting with the investigation into the incident by providing footage and statements. CCTV footage will also be sent to the schools that are involved in the attack.
