Danger in Sunning Hill
Published:Monday | November 8, 2010 | 12:00 AM
Christopher Serju, Gleaner Writer
Residents are appealing for state authorities to reinstall railings and set up signage at the approach to a bridge in Sunning Hill, eastern St Thomas, which poses grave danger to unsuspecting motorists.
Located midway en route to Bath, the single-lane bridge spans what residents of the community call the Clock (or Clarke) River.
For motorists travelling in the opposite direction who are unfamiliar with the area, negotiating the bridge is dangerous, especially if speeding. Some vehicles have ended up in the river, The Gleaner has learnt.
St Thomas residents Max and his friend 'Cock', who were sitting in their truck safely parked nearby, told of having to rescue many motorists and passengers, using a tractor to pull vehicles from the river. It's a feat they have performed so often that they have mastered the strategy and developed a safe route for removing vehicles.
"A deh so we draw them up all the while," he said, pointing.
The most recent incident occurred when two friends were heading to a dance not far from the bridge. As Max explained it, when the vehicle rounded the corner, the driver lost control of the car, which plunged into the river.
"When you look, a jus' the top o' di car you can see," Max recalled.
Somehow, the passengers managed to escape the vehicle.
"Them jump out o' it, man. When them drop inna the water, them fly out and stand up a look good. Man a feel all themself fi see if them dead!"
Almost all the railings of the bridge are gone. For pedestrians using the bridge, it can also be a harrowing experience, especially when a vehicle is approaching.