St Mary police renew road appeal after Huddersfield crash kills pedestrian

ST MARY, Jamaica—A man walking along Huddersfield’s main road died Thursday, May 14, after a motor truck hit him, the latest fatal incident on that corridor. He was identified as 28-year-old Oneil Tavares, whom many locals knew as “Philly”.

Officers from the St Mary division said the crash happened close to 8:45 pm. Tavares was on foot along the road when he is believed to have moved into the lane of a Toyota Hiace van heading west. The collision left him with serious injuries. He was taken to St Ann’s Bay Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

The truck driver stayed at the scene, police reported.

The death has unsettled the Huddersfield community. St Mary police have again called on walkers and drivers to cut speed and pay closer attention. In a release, they stated: “Pedestrians are encouraged to remain alert and use safe areas when walking, while motorists are urged to drive responsibly, remain vigilant and observe the road and its surroundings at all times.”

Officials noted that after dark, narrow routes such as Huddersfield’s need added caution, with limited street lighting and pedestrians often using the same space as vehicles. Enquiries into the crash continue.