The first fatal traffic accident for the year, which occurred on Windy Hill Road Tuesday morning, left one tourist dead and 20 others injured.

Initial inquiries indicate that twenty cruise ship passengers from the Caribbean Princess cruise ship were on a tour bus descending Windy Hill Road on Tortola when the driver struck an embankment causing the vehicle to overturn. Aaron Humphry, 24, of the United States, died as a result of injuries sustained from the accident. Seven passengers were taken to Peebles Hospital.

Five were treated and discharged while one has been retained for a fractured shoulder bone. The driver was also treated and released. The other 13 were assessed at the scene and taken back to the cruise ship. Peebles Hospital emergency personnel responded immediately to the scene and were joined by Police and Fire and Rescue services, a police release stated.

Commissioner of Police, Reynell Frazer, said the Traffic Investigation Unit will conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the 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,” Commissioner Frazer stated.

Acting Director of the Tourist Board, Hadassah Ward, has 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.

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