BY GEORGE HENRY, STAR Writer

A policeman provides protection while other men assist with securing the goods that had been on this Nissan truck which overturned while travelling along Highway 2000 on Monday afternoon. - George Henry

The driver of a Nissan delivery truck which overturned in a ditch along Highway 2000 at a section near Spanish Town is glad that he escaped death, but he is also counting his losses.

Samuel Patterson, the driver of the white cab Nissan UD delivery truck, told THE STAR that when his vehicle overturned, persons who live close to the scene of the accident looted more than 40 boxes of chicken back, oxtail and cow foot, valuing thousands of dollars.

Tyre blew out

In giving an account of the accident, Patterson said he was driving along Highway 2000 some minutes to 3 p.m. when one of his front tyres blew out. He said when the tyre blew out, the truck, which was travelling in a westerly direction towards May Pen, got out of control, hit the iron railing and overturned in a precipice.

"I was coming along the highway and one of the front tyres blew out. The truck got out of control, hit the rail and went over the precipice," said Patterson.

The truck, which was laden with the meat, was extensively damaged and most of the contents were flung from it. Almost immediately after the truck stopped from its rolling into the precipice, Patterson said persons who lived near the area converged on the scene and started to loot the goods. He said the Spanish Town police were alerted and quick action prevented further looting.

The truck driver said he was not seriously injured, as he was lucky to escape with only minor cuts and bruises.

In the meantime, Corporal A. Lewis of the Spanish Town Police Station, who was one of several officers providing security for the driver as the goods were being retrieved and packed on to another truck, called on drivers to properly examine their vehicles, especially tyres, before they embark on their journey.

Speedway

He added that Highway 2000 is a stretch of road which encourages speeding, but that drivers should ensure that their vehicles are in good order before attempting to do so.

"Drivers need to take their time when driving along this road. It is one which encourages some form of speeding, but it is very important that they check their tyres. I have stopped vehicles and when I check, outside of the tyres are OK, but when you look on the inside section it is badly worn to the extent that you can see the tread," said Lewis.