Education Ministry Tracks Recovery of Garvey Maceo Students After Clarendon Toll Road Crash

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Education officials say they are keeping watch over students from Garvey Maceo High School who were hurt in a Clarendon traffic crash on Wednesday morning. The incident involved 39 students from the school.

After the crash, the Ministry of Education assigned an educational social worker from Region 7 to visit the hospital and provide emotional support and guidance to the injured students and their relatives.

The ministry said its regional personnel will stay in contact with the school as assistance is arranged for those affected by the ordeal. In a statement, the ministry said, “The regional team will continue to work with the school to support the affected and impacted as they heal from this difficult situation.”

The statement also noted, “We are grateful that a number of students have already been discharged, and we continue to pray for the full recovery of those who remain under medical care.” Education Minister Dana Morris Dixon added, “We will remain engaged with the school and health officials and will provide further updates as information is confirmed.”

The ministry appealed to the public to wait on official information, protect the privacy of the students and their families, and keep them in prayer as they recover.

The crash occurred at about 7:57 am Wednesday near the May Pen entrance to the Williamsfield Toll Road. A coaster bus reportedly hit a concrete median. Police have said at least 41 people were injured.

By early Thursday, 23 of the 39 students had left hospital, while three were admitted for additional care and observation. The remaining students were still receiving treatment, including fluids, and there was no further update on whether they had later been released.

The ministry said it has been communicating with the school administration and the relevant authorities and will keep monitoring the matter. It added that support is being put in place so students, parents, guardians and staff can get the help they need.