Investigators at the scene of the train crash on Monday morning
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By Kimone Witter
The operator of a switch train owned by Discovery Bauxite Partners (formerly Noranda Bauxite) and a security guard are dead after the train derailed in Retreat near Brown's Town, St. Ann on Sunday night.
Orlando Brown of Brown's Town and Shane Powell of a Clarendon address died at the scene of the crash. Powell, who was employed to Secure World Corporation, was a passenger on the train.
According to the police, about 10 o'clock, the train developed mechanical problems in Tobolsky, enroute to Discovery Bay.
The train later got out of control in the Retreat area, derailed and fell into a gully.
Sandra, a resident of Retreat, said community members heard an explosion and went to investigate when they found the crashed train and saw the bodies of the two victims.
"It wasn't a good sight, honestly. I could not look on them last night. But the line is ripped up and the train over the gully," she told Radio Jamaica News.
The train was destroyed.
Member of Parliament for South West St. Ann, Zavia Mayne, said the incident is distressing, especially because events of this nature do not occur regularly.
"Train operation...from my limited understanding is highly organized [and] highly detailed. So, for there to be a train accident, and in the manner in which I am told it happened, then certainly it is of great concern. But, of course, an investigation will flow from this and I'm sure that will...indicate the true circumstances," he said.
Discovery Bauxite Partners has said a detailed investigation is underway to determine what led to the derailment of the train.
The company, in a release, said the investigation is being carried out by a senior team.
All rail operations have been suspended pending the completion of the preliminary assessment.
The bauxite company said it is offering assistance to the families of the deceased men.
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