UPDATED: Bus takes head dive into cliff at Kingshill

This Toyota passenger bus took a plunge into this bushy area when it went out of control. Photo courtesy Larry Larocque

William Prevost and three female passengers are fortunate to have sustained minor injuries after the bus he was driving plunged down a cliff en route to a church service on Saturday.

Prevost was driving the white Toyota bus (HA573) to town on the lower Morne Bruce Road about 9:30 a.m. when the steering wheel malfunctioned; causing the bus to swerve uncontrollably off the road. The vehicle ended up in the vicinity of Centre Street, Kingshill.

“The bus spin left and went down in the falaise [creole and french word for cliff],” according to an eye witness.

A female police officer, her daughter and an elderly woman were the passengers of the vehicle.

According to Prevost, he attempted to turn right at a wide corner when he suddenly heard a noise, following which he lost control of steering the vehicle and it continued heading towards the left down the precipice.

His efforts to engage the brakes proved futile, since the bus started “dragging” and there was nothing he could do, but brace himself for the impact. The bus stopped at about 100 feet when it hit a fence in the bushes .Shockingly to the occupants that was the only thing restraining the vehicle from not dropping unto the other street.

[ See more photos in gallery below. Story continues after gallery]

[nggallery id=30]

Prevost predicted that if the fence was not there that would have resulted in serious injuries and the bus could have possibly turned over.

“When I saw what was happening I tried what I could to stop the bus, but there was no use so I just had to brace myself while the passengers were all in a fright as to what was happening,” he recalled.

The Dominica Fire and Ambulance Service responded to the incident. Within five minutes of the accident rescue workers were already on the scene, Prevost noted, stating that he was unaware who made the call to them.

He said that he managed to get out of the bus to assist the passengers for fire and ambulance officials to transport them to the Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) to be examined. The elderly woman sustained a visible injury to her foot.

Prevost is thankful to God that the incident was not a lot worse. Up to Saturday, Prevost was soliciting a crane to get have his bus removed from the scene for inspection by police.

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37 Comments

  1. November 22, 2011

    PREvost AGAIN. I think it is high time they take away his liscense from him. Please Officers dont wait for fatalities, take it away now. I dont think he can drive anymore.

  2. ah fella
    August 23, 2010

    i hope the ppl are fine but on my behalf…………..You Wasnt Getting My Two DOllars Dat Day Nuh

  3. eddie
    August 22, 2010

    dear curious … stop read my previous comment again

  4. Myrtle and family san Diego
    August 19, 2010

    God is good, the woman in the hospital will be ok.

  5. Myrtle and family san Diego
    August 19, 2010

    God was guiding them

  6. hippssy
    August 17, 2010

    @Caddy: I hope they will be alright as well.God is good

  7. hippssy
    August 17, 2010

    @Caddy: mee too

  8. Gene, Toronto
    August 16, 2010

    @curious:

    You are correct. There are what we call “freak” accidents. Whether this is a fact, only God knows. However, drivers as well as pedestrians do not have to be careless to be involved in an accident. This usually occurs. The vehicle may give way due to malfunctioning and pedestrians could be careless. Drivers must ensure that their vehicles are serviced specifically those who carry passengers.
    Both drivers and pedestrians could also be absent-minded. Drivers must always be alert, keep their eyes on the road and try not to get distracted while driving, drive cautiously and also drive on their side of the road. They may be driving at whatever time of day, night or morning and may think that there are no vehicles approaching. This is a grave mistake. With that in mind, they may be surprised to see a vehicle approaching, too late, and an accident could occur with injuries and/or fatalities.
    There are times I have had to inform drivers, “keep your eyes on the road”. It is always wise to be extremely careful when crossing the road/street. Likewise drivers, they must be careful when driving. Do keep in mind that “people cause accidents.”
    It is also important to know for information purposes what is occurring in other lands, be it that they are bigger countries and the population is greater. All Laws are practically the same.
    There are laws today which we, in Toronto of all did not have in previous years. These Laws are established without reasons. They are established to save lives and also avoid injuries for the safety of both drivers and pedestrians but mostly careless drivers who do not practice road courtesy and obey regulations. You and I are not aware how much insurance companies pay to victims of accidents and their families. They are exorbitant. Nevertheless, I would rather have my life and health than be injured. You know the saying: “Precaution is better than cure.”
    Today, if the Police catches drivers speaking on their cellphones, they will be charged a few hundred dollars. Accidents and fatal ones have occurred due to drivers speaking on their cellphones. Drivers are informed that if they wish to use the cellphone, pull out in a safe place to do so.
    I, personally have seen drivers talking on their cellphones while driving even after the law was passed. If there was a citizen’s arrest for this, I could report them. If I have their license plates numbers I could report them to the Police.
    If people are caught jay-walking – between oncoming vehicles, they will be charged. The street lights are there for a purpose, both for drivers and pedestrians. Should I ever cross in the middle of the street, I ensure that there are no oncoming vehicles and nearby.
    The Law in Toronto/Canada has toughened in recent years/months due to accidents which have injured, maimed and killed people. I could inform you about much more.
    I am all for law and order. It may be that I was brought up in a disciplined household and attended disciplined schools, elementary and high school – CHS in Dominica.
    Life is precious. I love my life and with the help of God I want to live a long and healthy life, if it is the Will of God.
    We are all God’s children. What I want for myself, I also want for others, family, friend, associates or strangers – those whom I do not know. Therefore, let us not make excuses for reckless drivers and also careless pedestrians. As a human being, you should comprehend this.

  9. Gene, Toronto
    August 16, 2010

    @Watcher:

    You, too, are judging and you did not understand my writing clearly. I made no such statement that he is a reckless driver. One of those who commented stated that he/she saw the bus previously and that there appeared to be a problem with the wheel(?) or other. Do read all the comments. Thank you!
    The name “King’s Hill” is obviously situated on a hill. I know exactly where it is. I have previously gone to that area. Therefore, drivers must be careful and drive slowly when they are going down “a hill” or are getting close to a hill. In any case, they must drive cautiously at all times. I do hope the authorities will inspect the vehicle to ensure it was road worthy. This is what is done when vehicles are involved in accidents and where passengers are involved. May it be so in Dominica in order to avoid a future accident. The next one could be fatal.
    As the saying goes, they should thank their luck stars that they did not receive major injuries or that no one died. Thank God for that.

  10. Watcher
    August 16, 2010

    @Gene, Toronto: You are in toronto and I am not making statements on heresay. I know the bus myself, the bus driver and when I comment on DNO, I do not say anything heresay. Mr William Prevost is an elderly bus driver with driving experience after working at the Public Works Garage for many years. He is not a reckless driver nor the type of man who would not service his vehicle. The picture that you are seeing is the damaged bus.
    God bless you I have just stood up for the point I made. Your other point I will not comment, I know nothing about what happened but this poor man, I know and when we do not have the facts, we should not comment. Whilst it is true that we have some reckless drivers as I had previously stated, we must be careful not to hit at persons personally in the absence of facts. Down with gossip.

  11. Gene, Toronto
    August 16, 2010

    @Eyes Wide Open:

    You must have been very young. I was then residing in Canada when I heard of the accident and the sad news that some people died and others were seriously injured. As news travel and very quickly, I did hear that they were on their way to a non-Catholic Crusade at the Windsor Park in Roseau. The truck in which they were passengers drove into a precipice. Some of them landed in trees. Can you visualize being in such an accident?
    Drivers, beware! Pay heed! You are aware that Dominica has winding roads and precipices. Do not over-estimate your driving capability. Drive safely at all times. Everyone wants to live a happy, healthy and safe life.
    God created us to live a normal, happy and healthy life and by no means to die in such a manner. One of your first concerns should be, to preserve your passengers safety and lives and your own.
    As the proverb: “Slow and steady wins the race.” Do your utmost to get to your destination and that of your passengers “in whole – one piece”. You are responsible for their safety and lives. Do not take dangerous chances as driving recklessly and with vehicles which are not road worthy. These will jeopardize your life and that of your passengers!
    Please keep in mind, not only murderers kill but reckless drivers can kill. The advice here is to try and save lives and not destroy them as well as the health of your passengers in the event that they are injured while being a passenger in your vehicle. May God assist those drivers accordingly.

  12. Gene, Toronto
    August 16, 2010

    @QUIETER:

    Thank God indeed! A life is precious and worthy to be lived and saved.

  13. Gene, Toronto
    August 16, 2010

    @Satipatat:

    What has road and vehicle safety got to do with having three children? Better to be safe than sorry. When he/she causes an accident, injures, maims or kill people and also him/herself, obviously, they will not be able to support those children.

  14. August 16, 2010

    gene, toronto u dont have to be negligent to get in an accident sometimes u are the most carful driver and still get into an accident…up to now i doh catch ur point

  15. Gene, Toronto
    August 16, 2010

    @Watcher:
    Whenever I read the pros and cons comments especially “cons”, I get a good laugh. They amuse me. The writer had seen the bus, the type of bus and is correct in stating that. There are some drivers who are too negligent. I would have made the exact statement. Some vehicles should be impounded.
    One is driving too fast and above the speed limit and others who do not take proper care of their vehicles. They are accidents waiting to happen.
    These drivers are negligent and could cause injuries and fatalities. I have stated that our God-given life is precious and should be preserved at all cost. Drivers must consider that their lives and that of others will be at stake if they do not drive safely, keep their vehicles properly serviced for safety reasons and obey the driving laws and have respect for other drivers and pedestrians.
    As an example, on Friday evening in Toronto, I was crossing the street on my way from shopping, to my place of residence. I never call it home because “Dominica is my home and always will be no matter where I reside and for whatever length of time.”
    I crossed the road, on one street light and waited for the other street light to turn. The lights turned in my favor. As a pedestrian, I had the right of way to turn without vehicle obstruction. That is the Law. I always look behind, in front of me or sideways where applicable, prior to crossing the street. Another reason for this is lately there have been an exorbitant amount of accidents, pedestrians injuries and deaths and I am scared of having an accident. Who would not be?
    Some accidents may be attributed to drivers’ and pedestrians’ negligence. Being aware of that and pedestrians are also warned to be careful when crossing the streets even though we have right of way, I try to be doubly careful.
    Well, as I was about to cross, a woman-driver drove in front of me from my left side. I did see a Police vehicle with a police man and a police woman in it. They were right behind the woman. I asked myself did this woman driver not see the police car behind her and that she should not have driven in front of me, a pedestrian who had right of way?
    I made a sign to the Police indicating my annoyance with that woman driver. Then, as I crossed the street, I looked back and made another sign to the Police and pointed to her car ahead of them, meaning “Go and get her” (smile). I saw them driving after her. She drove into the parking lot of a small mall. They appeared to be following her.
    Too many drivers do not respect other drivers rights and pedestrian’s right of way. The early evenings are still bright in Toronto and if I were not busy I would have walked to the area to see if the police stopped her. I am sorry that I did not do so. Drivers could be negligent and cause accidents. She could have knocked me down and injured me, if not killed me.
    I hoped that they stopped her and charged her. If so, she would have to show up in Court and will be charged and pay a few hundred dollars. The Police will do more than that. She will have to produce her driver’s license and a car inspection would be conducted as to whether it is worthy of driving or not. If the car is not, the Police will not hesitate to impound it and charge her with negligence and driving an unsafe vehicle. She better be driving with an up-to-date driver’s license. She was a white woman. I wondered just what was her idea to cut across me when I had right of way. If she did not drive so quickly, I would inform her about it.
    During last Christmas season, a friend got into an accident in a similar way and she was injured. In time, her lawyer will ensure that she receives monetary compensation.
    Our health is precious and money cannot restore our health and life, specifically if we receive permanent injuries and if the pedestrian dies. Therefore, it is a serious matter that drivers most of all, when they are driving should drive cautiously and pedestrians must be careful when crossing intersections, roads and streets. We are told even though we have right of way “to look both ways” prior to crossing. In recent years, as the population grew, there are more vehicles on the roads. No exception Dominica.
    Oh yes! In Toronto, I would just put up my hand to them, make a sign which is an admonishment to “drive safely; take your time; what is the hurry; allow me to pass because I have right of way.” They drive as if they are kings and queens of the road and nothing will happen to them as they depend on their fragile, human strength. I have a few stories to tell about some of those Toronto negligent drivers. They are obviously not popular with pedestrians and some of those pedestrians do drive.
    There are some Toronto drivers who do not give pedestrians the right of way. I once telephoned the Traffic Department to request “a camera” be set up at another corner of a busy road, its intersection and highway near where I reside. Accidents have occurred there. The usual: “It cost money.” What else is new, eh! They prefer to save money which can be root of all evil, to the safety of people.
    Some busy streets do have cameras. I was informed that from time to time the cameras are switched to other locations. All this because of negligent and non-caring drivers. They, too, cost the City and Insurance companies, the latter, theirs as well, a lot of money when they are the cause of accidents, injuries and deaths.
    I am in the habit of praying to God to assist me and protect me whenever I am specifically crossing
    a busy street and intersection. After I have done so safely, I thank God and when I get indoors I do likewise. Our Lord Jesus Christ said: “In all things give God (His) Our Almighty Father, due thanks and praise.” Praise be to God!
    God bless Dominica. God bless Dominican residents. May they be protected from accidents and whatever obstacles/impediments which may be thrusted in their way.
    Faith, trust and hope in God! Keep them up and keep trying to do good for others who are especially in need of. Be it standing up for right is faithful and true and godly to do. God’s boundless and endless blessing and graces abound.

  16. Fedup Dominican
    August 16, 2010

    @Barltoe:

    I totally agree with you. Mr. Prevost should not have this bus on the road at all. Two days before the accident, I saw this bus and one tire was on a side. I was wondering how mr. driving that transport with passengers and no police not charging him.

    I think too that we as dominicans need to be a bit more vigilante. I will not take my 5 senses God gave me and travel on this bus…no discrimination intended. This was an accident waiting to happen. Nonetheless, I am very happy that no one was seriously hurt.

    A speedy recovery to all involved.

  17. QUIETER
    August 16, 2010

    THANK GOD IT WASN’T WORSE, MY FRIEND VERNELLE I WAS SO SORRY WHEN I HEARD. GIVE GOD THANKS GIRLFRIEND

  18. Watcher
    August 16, 2010

    Praise the Lord for his mercies endureth forever. Mr Prevost and the others let us give thanks for saving your lives. Myself and family rejoices with you and the others. The word has to be declared to the Nation and the job is not done yet. Praise be the Lord for his grace and mercies.

  19. Watcher
    August 16, 2010

    @Barltoe: So you all must make some negative comment. Instead of thanking the lord for his good merciees and be happy for them that they were not badly hurt. Do have eveidence that Mr Prevost’s Bus was not serviced. Why hit at the man, Stop the jealous attitude and spread the love. The hate took over you this time. DNO is not for negative comments. You actually hit at the man like you have facts that the gentlemans bus is not good and he not servicing it. Where is your proof. We need to stop this kind of attitude you know. I am not against you saying that Public Transporatation needs standards set but you are actually saying in your own words “For example look at this bus, it should not have beeen on the road far less for carrying passengers” It is like you have something personal against the man.

  20. Eyes Wide Open
    August 16, 2010

    Wow, incredible story. I thank God that all are ok, it could have resulted much worse. I remember when I was achild, my mom told me about an incident like this that happened in either Morne Prosper 0r wotten waven area, not quite sure which one, and all the passengers died, I think they were maybe on their way to/from church as well, so this incident could have been worse, thank God it wasn`t. And congrats to D/ca Fire and Ambulance Services which continues to do really good work.

  21. Democratic lover
    August 16, 2010

    He shall give his ngels charge over you to keep you. praises for The almighty protection o his people.

  22. August 16, 2010

    eddie if u see buses which are not road worthy then dont put yourself at risk by goin on those buses and after say the government is not concern about local people…and the police inspects local buses wether for vistors or local people…that is under the traffic Act….but do not blame it entirely all on the police or government as citizens you all have the equal responsibilty to bring your vehicle to be inspected but some of u hide from this and put urself and others at risk and then we find someone to blame for it but i believe the goverment should enforce the inspections of vehicles or have routine traffic operations to inspect vehicles so the vehicular and road safety could be enhanced..

  23. Satipatat
    August 15, 2010

    @eddie:

    As much as I agree with you… Why don’t u try telling that to the bus drivers with 3 kids to feed and living in his little shack by the river..

  24. truth revealed
    August 15, 2010

    To those who were hurt as a result, pray that you have a speedy recovery as well as those who escaped unhurt, continue to give thanks to God for his mercies.

  25. eddie
    August 15, 2010

    i think the gorverment is more important in visitors than its own people in other to transport visitors your vehicle must be inspected by the police in other for it to be certify by the dda and i can tell u the amount of buses im seein transportin local passenger which are not road worthy. readers listen u could have a brand new bus if u a caught transportin visitors whithout it being certify by the police and dda u will be charge but all they do for the local buses is check your light

  26. August 15, 2010

    some of the bus drivers don’t check their busses when it’s time for service.
    there should be a law put in place for public transport in Dominica.
    Some of the busses I see carrying passengers in Dominica should not be on the road at all.
    For example look at this bus, it should not have beeen on the road far less for carrying passengers.

  27. LAMOTHE
    August 15, 2010

    GOD BLESS

  28. LAMOTHE
    August 15, 2010

    GOD GUIDE THIS PEOPLE

  29. anonymous
    August 14, 2010

    i guess the driver learn his lesson. the real reason for servicing his vehicle. i guess if he serviced often enough he would lknow aboot the problem. i dont want to sound negative. i am glad the noone got hurt.

  30. rot
    August 14, 2010

    May God heal them all

  31. Giving Glory
    August 14, 2010

    @Giving Glory: * all the persons involved*

  32. Giving Glory
    August 14, 2010

    Praise the Lord all the person are ok. Two of the passengers walked off unharmed. The elderly woman is still at the hospital but no broken bones but her body is in pain so please pray for healing.

  33. unknown
    August 14, 2010

    THis man was well known for transporting elderly people to church…. this is so sad.. but i am very happy that no one is injured badly…

  34. Shanna Elizee
    August 14, 2010

    Granny I know that the lord will take care of you because you were on your way to praise him.
    I spoke to you yesterday not even thinking that you would be in this situation today. God will heal you and my love will help heal you too. Mammy be strong you are the one there to take care of my granny.
    I know God took the wheel because he did not let my granny life slip away.

    Thanks to all those who are sharing kind words in this sad time. But the Lord said in everything give thanks. I am thanking God my granny is still alive.

  35. Rassssssman
    August 14, 2010

    I hope all is well, my prayers are with you guys todayl!

  36. Typical Dominican
    August 14, 2010

    May God heal everyone!

  37. Caddy
    August 14, 2010

    I hope the elderly woman will be alright and I do hope that the other individuals are alright as well.

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