KINGSTON — Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, has expressed deep sadness at the loss of lives and critical injuries to members of staff of Excellence Oyster Bay Resort in Trelawny over the weekend.

The hotel staff bus crash along the Braco main road resulted in two deaths and 10 others suffering injuries.

The circumstances that led to the crash are under investigation.

“I am distraught that we have yet another fatal accident on our roads, adding to the record number already recorded for the year. I am further saddened that the victims are vital members of the tourism industry who would otherwise be making a sterling contribution to the sector,” said Minister Bartlett.

The 10 people who were injured are receiving treatment at the Falmouth General Hospital. None of the injuries were critical.

Minister Bartlett expressed condolences to the families of the two deceased staff members and their colleagues at Excellence Oyster Bay, and said discussions have started with key stakeholders, including the police and the National Works Agency, to determine the reason for the frequent crashes along the stretch of highway and to explore possible mitigating action.