A bizarre traffic accident claimed the life of two Bahamians early Sunday morning.
Conflicting reports from police and eyewitnesses on the scene have surfaced in the aftermath.
Shortly after midnight Sunday – what some might suggest was a freak accident – occurred on Marathon Road just north of the Mall at Marathon.
A female driver, who was heading north on the dual carriageway, struck and killed a male and female pedestrian.
“Police arrived on scene to find two dark-coloured persons, one female and one male, lying on the western side of the Marathon Road thoroughfare. Both had been struck by a car,” said Paul Cash, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP).
Eyewitness accounts suggest that the driver seemed to have been experiencing mechanical issues with the car and had her hazard lights engaged.
They said the driver was heading north at a slow pace and then in a split second the car kicked into overdrive and subsequently struck the man and woman who were attempting to cross the street.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded to the scene and pronounced both persons dead.
Cash could not confirm if mechanical issues played a part in the early morning accident.
“We will have to assess what happened. So far officers have been out here to process the scene so we just need to find whatever additional information that we can, other than what we have found on the scene, to put this picture together,” he said.
The car – believed to be a 2010 silver Toyota – was driven by a Royal Bahamas Defense Force (RBDF) officer.
Police said that the driver fled the scene of the accident.
But, eyewitnesses said that after the driver was alerted that she hit two people, she turned through a corner just a few yards away from where the accident occurred and allegedly waited for police to arrive.
Eyewitness News spoke with police again Sunday afternoon and they suggested that because the driver did not stop immediately after hitting the man and woman, they are working toward how they will classify the incident.
In the wake of Sunday’s double fatalities, traffic police admonish motorists to exercise caution.
“We’re appealing to members of the public to take their time and drive safely as possible and if you’re going out to drink; find a designated driver so that you get home safely,” he said.
The Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) issued the following statement Sunday:
A member of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force is currently assisting Police with investigations following a traffic accident earlier this morning in which two pedestrians succumbed to their injuries.
According to reports, the tragic incident occurred on Marathon Road around 1:00 a.m. September 16. The person involved was an off-duty (Woman) Marine of the Royal Bahamas Defence driving a private vehicle at the time. The unfortunate incident resulted in a male and female pedestrian succumbing to their injuries.
It was also reported that the driver, who is assisting Police with their investigation, waited for paramedics and Police to arrive at the scene prior to being transported by ambulance to Princess Margaret Hospital for medical treatment.
The prayers and sincerest condolences of the Commander Defence Force, Officers and Marines are extended to the members of the bereaved family.
