Truck Overturns on Winston Jones Highway, Two Hospitalized

 Two men were hospitalized on Thursday morning following a truck accident along the Winston Jones Highway in Manchester, Jamaica. The vehicle reportedly experienced mechanical issues before veering off the road and overturning.

Key Details
The incident occurred around 10:00 a.m. as the truck was descending the hill. Eyewitness accounts suggest the driver noticed trouble with the vehicle moments before the crash. One motorist recalled seeing smoke coming from beneath the truck, which signaled an imminent breakdown.

Despite the severity of the crash, no other vehicles were involved, and no fatalities were reported. The truck was severely damaged, and debris was scattered across the scene, prompting emergency responses from both firefighters and police officers.

Both the driver and a male passenger were rescued from the wreckage by passing motorists and later transported to the hospital by law enforcement. They are currently listed in serious but stable condition.

Background
The Winston Jones Highway, a major corridor in central Jamaica, has seen several vehicular incidents over the years, particularly involving heavy-duty vehicles navigating its steep gradients. Mechanical failure is a recurring cause of such accidents in the area, often compounded by inadequate safety checks.

In this latest event, bystanders noted the potential for greater tragedy had there been more traffic on the roadway at the time. The incident has renewed calls for more rigorous inspection protocols for commercial trucks operating in hilly regions.

Quotes
“We were coming down the hill when the truck driver started shouting warnings,” said one motorist who witnessed the aftermath. “We saw smoke under the truck, and not long after, it lost control. Thankfully, there were no other vehicles in its path.”

Another driver described the scene as catastrophic: “It looked like a natural disaster. The truck is completely wrecked. It’s a miracle more people weren’t hurt.”

Our Opinion
This incident underscores the urgent need for improved vehicle maintenance and road safety awareness, especially for commercial transport on steep routes. Fortunately, swift action from passersby and emergency personnel helped prevent a worse outcome.