JUTC says preliminary assessment shows that bus involved in St Ann crash was not defective

The state-owned Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) says a preliminary assessment shows that the bus that was involved in Saturday's crash, in which several persons were injured, was not defective.

The bus, which was transporting staff and their family from a trip in Trelawny, ran off the road and into a precipice near Moneague in St Ann.

The JUTC was responding to a statement issued by opposition transport spokesman Mikael Phillips in which he claimed that some of the injured persons have suggested that the bus may have been defective or developed a defect en route, which contributed to the crash.

READ: Phillips wants independent probe into JUTC bus crash

Phillips called for an independent investigation into the crash and a detailed report provided by the JUTC.

The bus company said the Island Traffic Authority has conducted a preliminary examination of the bus and has found no defects.

The JUTC says the company, as well as the police, are in the process of conducting separate investigations which it said it expects to provide more details on the incident.

It defended the safety of its buses.

“The company wishes to assure the public that the JUTC’s maintenance and bus repairs practices are of the highest standard. The company does not dispatch defective buses.

“Over the weekend, it came to our attention that a chartered bus operating in the same area as the staff trip developed a problem.

“However, we can state definitively that the bus involved in the accident is not the bus in question,” the JUTC said in a statement this afternoon.

It stated further, “A bus, just like any other mechanical or electrical unit, may develop a problem or defect at any time during use, and from time to time buses do develop problems while in service; but the Company’s record speaks for itself ”.

The JUTC took issue with remarks made by Phillips stating that “We also use this opportunity to urge Mr Phillips to check the source of his information and to refrain from making public pronouncements on matters which may result in additional and unnecessary stress to our staff and members of the public”.

The JUTC said it is thankful there were no fatalities and wished those who are injured a speedy and full recovery. 

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