Wednesday, February 24, 2010Police charge driver in traffic death
Police Information OfficerPolice charge driver in traffic death of US Tourist
Police have arrested and charged the driver of the tour bus in yesterday's traffic accident that resulted in the death of one U.S. tourist.
Roland Allen, 32 years, of Baughers Bay, Tortola was taken into custody last night and charged with causing death by dangerous driving.
Early yesterday morning (Tuesday), 24-year-old Aaron Rumphrey of Honeoye, New York, died as a result of injuries sustained in the accident. Six other passengers were taken to Peebles Hospital, treated and released.
A total of 20 cruise ship passengers from the Caribbean Princess were on the tour bus descending the Windy Hill Road on Tortola when the driver struck an embankment and the vehicle overturned. Of the 20, 13 passengers were assessed at the scene and taken directly back to the cruise ship.
Commenting on the incident, Commissioner of Police Reynell Frazer said, "Our Traffic Investigation Unit will conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of this accident. I have personally extended sympathy on behalf of the BVI Government to the family and have promised to keep them informed on the progress of the investigation," he said.
Acting Director of the Tourist Board Hadassah Ward also expressed her sympathy to the family of the deceased.
"For our visitors to come to enjoy our territory and meet such a fate is regrettable. We are saddened by this unexpected incident and the BVI Tourist Board has deployed the Coordinator of the Tourist Board's Visitor Support Service Programme Albert Wheatley who is presently with the family and assisting them with liaising with the appropriate authorities," she said.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force and the BVI Tourist Board are working together with the cruise ship's agent to provide all the necessary assistance.
This is the first traffic accident with a fatality for the year.