Fatal kite surfing incident in East End

From RCIPS Dec 28 2018

Just after 1PM Thursday, 27 December, police and other emergency personnel were dispatched by the 9-1-1 Communication Centre to a location off Austin Connolly Drive in East End, where it  was reported that a man was kite surfing and was swept away by the wind, which caused him to collide into a building. The man sustained critical injuries to his body.

EMS transported the man to the hospital for treatment where he later succumbed to his injuries. The man is identified as 63-year-old Thomas Downer from the United States. The family of the deceased have been notified and the RCIPS extends condolences to his friends and family.

Thirty-Two (32) Motor Vehicle Collisions over a Three (3) Day Period,

Between Monday 24 December and t Thursday 27 December, there have been 32 reports of motor vehicle collisions across all three islands, with the majority of these, (approximately twenty (20) ),  occurring in George Town District.

Twelve (12) of these collisions were reported as serious accidents involving injury and in some cases even entrapments and vehicles being overturned. Over the three (3) day period there were also three (3) persons arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol, all of whom were involved in motor vehicle collisions. 

The RCIPS would like to remind the public to stay safe over the holiday season, especially on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day by doing the following:

1.       Do not to drink and drive; instead, utilize the Purple Ribbon bus system or appoint a sober designated driver.

2.       Do not to use your cell phones whilst driving. Pull off the road when it safe to do so, to make your call or texts.

3.       Ensure that you are driving within the speed limits and if we are experiencing rainy weather, adjust your speed accordingly (reduce speed by 10 miles to compensate for the slick roadway), to avoid having a collision.

4.       Look out for roadblocks and traffic stops and slow down as soon as they are in your sights. Come to a complete stop when you reached the officers.

5.       Be vigilant and attentive whilst driving. Don’t get distracted by passenger or electronic devices in the vehicle.

The RCIPS would like to wish you Safe and Prosperous New Year when it comes.