Seven hurt as car hits closed shop in Annotto Bay

Police in St Mary have repeated their call for safer driving after seven people, among them children, were hurt in a Thursday night crash at Annotto Bay.

According to the police, early enquiries suggest that about 8:10 p.m., a motor car heading from Dover towards Annotto Bay went out of control on the Marking Stone main road. The vehicle left the carriageway and slammed into a shop nearby.

Police sources said the shop was not open when the crash occurred, and no one else at the premises was reported injured.

The driver and six passengers in the car, including four children, received injuries of different degrees. They were taken to Annotto Bay Hospital for medical care.

Superintendent Anthony Wallace, who heads the St Mary Police Division, used the crash to remind motorists to watch their speed and stay alert whenever they are behind the wheel.

Wallace said the police are once more calling on drivers to use the roads carefully and keep their attention on driving at all times. He added that, even when speed is not identified as the direct reason for a collision, it can make the impact much harder and raise the risk of severe injury or death.

He also urged road users to drive defensively, follow speed limits, use seat belts, avoid distractions, and make sure children are properly restrained in vehicles.

The police investigation is continuing.