Tue, 2018-12-18

A truck driver was hurt in an incident that occurred on St. John’s Road in Pembroke near the junction with Marsh Folly Road Monday morning (December 17th).

Police officers and fellow first responders attended the scene around 11:20am.

It appears that two trucks were being driven in opposite directions along St. John’s Road when a piece of lumber fell off the truck traveling in the eastbound lane and broke through the windshield of the westbound truck – striking that vehicle’s driver in the face.

The same piece of wood also damaged a window on the right side of the westbound truck and was apparently part of a larger load of lumber secured to the eastbound vehicle.

The truck driver hurt in the incident, said to be a 36 year old Smith’s parish man, was transported to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital via ambulance for treatment of injuries described as non-life threatening.

At last check this afternoon (December 18th) he had been treated and discharged from hospital. There were no other injuries reported.

Inquiries continue and any witnesses are asked to contact the main police telephone number 295-0011.

While not speaking specifically to Monday morning’s incident, Chief Inspector Robert Cardwell issued a reminder regarding the unlawful carriage of loads.

“In light of recent incidents on Bermuda roads involving the unlawful carriage of loads on vehicles, the Bermuda Police Service believes it is timely to remind the motoring public of the restrictions and requirements in law that are designed to ensure safety.

A load may not project laterally beyond the side of a four-wheeled vehicle; the load may not project laterally more than two feet from the side of any two wheeled vehicle.

A load may not project more than two feet to the front or rear of a private motor car or taxi; not more than ten feet to the front or rear of any truck; not more than four feet to the front or rear of a two wheeled vehicle.

The highest point of any load may not be more than 13 feet above the ground and any load with height may not be carried in such a way that danger is caused.

Where any load projects more than three feet to the rear of any vehicle a red cloth (12in x 18in) or a red lamp must be affixed to the end of the load.

The Minister may issue a permit allowing other types of loads.

A tarpaulin must cover any loose load such as sand, rubble or shrubbery

A fixed penalty fine can be issued by a police officer to any motorist committing an unlawful load carrying offence.”

3 People Hurt in Recent Crashes Treated & Discharged From Hospital

At last check this afternoon (December 18th) the 63 year old pedal cyclist that sustained a serious eye injury around 6:40pm Saturday, December 15th on Dunscombe Road in Warwick had been discharged from hospital after receiving medical care. He was initially admitted to a general ward. Inquiries continue.

Separately, at last check this afternoon (December 18th) a 24 year old male motorcyclist and a 19 year old female pedestrian injured in a collision that occurred around 10:20pm Friday, December 14th on Parsons Road in Pembroke have both been discharged from hospital after medical treatment. The rider was initially admitted to a general ward. The 19 year old mother was released shortly after the incident and inquiries continue.

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