At least seven people, mainly students, died after a minibus plunged into the sea in Rockguter, an area between Owia and Fancy on the northeastern tip of St Vincent early today.
Police and government officials said that five bodies had, so far, been recovered from the sea, and one person died in hospital. Another person died on the way to the medical institution.
Police were still trying to verify how many persons were in the minibus when it plunged into the sea sometime between 7:00 am and 8:00 am.
Initial reports said there were as many as 20 people, including 14 students from the North Union and Georgetown Secondary Schools respectively.
One police source said that officials were told that the minibus, which was licensed to carry 18 passengers, was “full” when it left Fancy, the northernmost community.
Residents said it was packed with students from the two communities further south in this North Windward constituency.
They said that the conductor was standing, suggesting that the minibus was carrying more people than it was licensed to carry, a common practice in St Vincent and the Grenadines.
A large crowd gathered at the scene where two Coast Guard patrol boats were been searching for bodies or survivors.
The efforts were affected by especially large waves characteristic of the Atlantic side of St Vincent, where the terrain is an alternation of steep inclines and deep gorges and winding roads.
Among the bodies recovered from the water is that of a female student. Health authorities said the body showed signed of trauma, presumable inflicted as it knocked against the large rocks that line the shore.
It was not yet clear what caused the incident, but police said that villagers were notified by persons who jumped out of the vehicle before impact. (CMC)
UPDATE: Seven dead in SVG accident - by Barbados Today January 12, 2015 
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Barbados Today Published on
January 12, 2015
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Barbados Today
January 12, 2015
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20 Replies to “UPDATE: Seven dead in SVG accident”
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This is heartwrenching!
This is heartwrenching!
RIP, my sympathy goes out to the families that have lost someone. So sad
RIP, my sympathy goes out to the families that have lost someone. So sad
Terrible tragedy. So sorry to hear. My son lives in St V and takes bus to college. Such a scary thought. My thoughts are with the families.
Terrible tragedy. So sorry to hear. My son lives in St V and takes bus to college. Such a scary thought. My thoughts are with the families.
what a really saddddddddddddd day very painfull indeed
what a really saddddddddddddd day very painfull indeed
My heart an prayers goes out to the families of the victims. My deepest condolences. R.I.P.
My heart an prayers goes out to the families of the victims. My deepest condolences. R.I.P.
May God wrap the families in his arm and give them comfort in this extremely difficult time-my prayers are with you.
May God wrap the families in his arm and give them comfort in this extremely difficult time-my prayers are with you.
This is very sad to hear . let us pray for the people of svg
This is very sad to hear . let us pray for the people of svg
May Jesus comfort the families that suffered lost.
May Jesus comfort the families that suffered lost.
RIP..May God Be With You All..
RIP..May God Be With You All..
Our hearts and prayers go out to the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and those individuals who who are directly affected by this aweful trajedy
Our hearts and prayers go out to the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and those individuals who who are directly affected by this aweful trajedy