UPDATE: Tragedy after DLP rally

Viville was pronounced dead at the scene
Viville was pronounced dead at the scene

A bus driver from the Kalinago Territory is dead following an accident in the Fond Melle area late Monday.

The man has been identified as 62-year-old Joseph Viville, also known as Tipa or Pirate, from Bataca.

He was returning home from a Dominica Labour Party rally in St. Joseph.

According to the police PRO, Inspector John Carbon, the accident involved three buses.

At the time it occurred a Nissan bus, registration number HE469, was assisting the other bus, a Toyota Hiace, registration number HB665, which was stationary.

Viville was in front of  his vehicle (the Nissan bus), when a Coaster, with registration number HA492, traveling towards Castle Bruce, experienced difficulties with its brake and first collided with the Hiace bus, then the Nissan bus.

Viville got trapped under his Nissan bus which dragged for over 30 feet.

Two other persons who were standing on the roadside were also injured.

They were transported to the Princess Magaret Hospital where they were treated.

72-year-old, Norma Valmond of Mahaut River, was admitted while the other was discharged.

Viville was pronounced dead at the scene by the district medical officer and was then transported to a funeral home.

A coroners’ inquest has convened and post mortem is to be carried out.

Investigations are continuing.

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113 Comments

  1. Anonymous
    May 8, 2014

    :cry: R.I.P Tipa you will be missed ……….

  2. TipaSorry
    May 7, 2014

    Tipa was such a nice friendly guy. Always smiling always ready to help someone. He once lived in Thibaud and used to make bread in Paix-Bouche. He was an allrounder….
    I couldnt believe it when I saw the picture man. Such a nice guy..Tipa rest in peace, it was your time.. Though you are gone but I will always remember you for your positive attitude..Good bro!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  3. True Dominica
    May 7, 2014

    May Day was a day to say home with families and not to run after any political party . This was suppose to be a union day, not a day for drinking and driving.

  4. Hopeless!! RIP Tippa
    May 7, 2014

    Sooo a man from Bataca whom lived in Atkinson was killed accidentaly and yet allu have the nerves to say is sacrifice!! :-x … right now my family and i are crying our guts out yet allu have the right mind too say such things!! shame on allu!! think about those who were affected other than politics for once!! It was an accident!! :cry: God called him… there was ntn the driver could do to avoid such….it cud have been anyone infront that bus… plus if he didnt jam the buses over 15 people would have died…so it was a right choice … but no1 wants a love 1 too die!! :( R.I.P Tippa … may ur soul rest in peace we are all gona miss u!!

  5. May 7, 2014

    Very sad Story.
    I think people take the seriousness of lives and safety so minimal in Dominica. It is sad that the person who saw the need to help was not helped.
    Couldn’t one or several of the people from the loaded buses see the need to stand on either side of the buses (in a distance) to warn oncoming vehicles that there were buses that was being worked on.
    Iv’e seen bus drivers and others struggle to get a bus tire changed, (or other things fixed) while other sat and could care less if the drivers lives or those helping were in danger.
    Sure, bus drivers should ensure that their vehicles are serviced and maintained to prevent accidents, However where is the duty of citizens to get their lazy selves off from their comfort zones and look out for others, especially those who were trying to be a help?
    Perhaps the law failed, (to protect the lives of those who are stranded in traffic.) or that is where we fail to see the need and safety of others before our own.

  6. Dominica First
    May 7, 2014

    Ah, such a nice man for dlp to sacrifice like this. RIP to all his family members

    • Snewo
      May 7, 2014

      There we go again. Is that necessary????

    • Hopeless!! RIP Tippa
      May 8, 2014

      NONSENSE!!! Such an hypocritical statement made once more by people who have nothing better to do in their life!!

  7. Concerned
    May 7, 2014

    what is the World (Dominica) comin to ?
    really wanna know :?: :cry:

  8. Concerned
    May 7, 2014

    Yes God is everywhere but God is nt involved in nonsense the devil is Jesus GIVES and Jesus TAKES people vote who they want and who they think best .

    so wat are u guys tryin say becuz we went to convention this happened hell no things happen at anytime and anywhere

    no one has power to stop ntn
    #Be wise

  9. Snewo
    May 7, 2014

    This is so tragic. RIP Tipa. Does everything in DA have to be about politics? Magwaysa!!! Someone lost his life and all we can think about is what color shirt you wearing. This is the year 2014 rise above that ignorance my people. It doesn’t matter who wins a fellow D’can has lost his life. Sympathies to all families involved in this loss. We continue to wear our ignorance as a badge of honor

    • Anonymous
      May 8, 2014

      Bondieu Snewo where you be? I sending a bottle of your best for you :mrgreen:

      • Snewo
        May 12, 2014

        Anonymous, I there veyeying drinking my sugar cane spirits. I knew the gentleman. And I think people should be more sensitive and passionate during a sad time like that.

  10. Anonymous
    May 7, 2014

    It is unfortunate, that even in time of tragedy and death, some of us choose to blame it on politics. I guess those individuals who make such comments have no clue what it means to loose someone or to be sympathetic to the families of those who are grieving.

    To the individuals who are posting anti-labour comments – do you believe that your leader would condone the comments that you are making?

    Let us all remember that tragedy bears no political colors.
    My sympathies to all.

    • /abroad
      May 7, 2014

      though i am not in politics, politics is not bad, but shouldn,t be invovled in a time of tragedy, tragedy is for all of us, our times are just not the same on the clock.
      if there were one political party we would be communist, so the more parties we have is good to see and know we are DEMOCRATIC,
      this is rather unfortunate, after a night of excitment for such tragedy, sympathy to all.

  11. Kalinago B V I
    May 7, 2014

    May your soul rest in peace .greatest sympathy goes out to the the family and fiends

  12. abdul
    May 7, 2014

    Pirate rest in Peace you will me Missed. to the family hold strong.

  13. Nesha Jones
    May 7, 2014

    Tepa was a kind and help full man. He and my Dad was best of friends. My Dad is gone but not forgotten. Tepa is gone and will never be forgotten too. It is soo sad. May his soul rest in peace . And may the good Lord be with his family and friends at this time

  14. J
    May 7, 2014

    Dominicans let us stop this politics. We are known to be a loving nation lets display it. We fight over leaders and colors and time and time again we see how politicians laugh together and knock glasses together when they are at some social gathering. Linton, Skerritt and whoever else will not make the kind of comments we are making here about someone’s life. Accidents happen everyday and all we can do is take caution and learn from the mistakes of others. It is unfortunate that it happened, so now lets pray.. God does not like ugly so stop the foolishness lets put our differences aside and behave like human beings with hearts. Blessings! Let us all be safe for the election season whenever it comes along.

  15. Thinking
    May 7, 2014

    I know the brother,he worked with my Dad, my condolences to his family. And it was only Friday I heard my Dad asked him how he was doing and he sounded so optimistic. Tomorrow really not ours.

    • HMM
      May 7, 2014

      That statement is so true, today is a gift that is why it is called the present. My deepest sympathy to his family.

      • HMM
        May 7, 2014

        That statement is so true, today is a gift that is why it is called the present. My deepest sympathy to his family.

  16. e
    May 7, 2014

    deep sympathies to the members of the family… hope they get the necessary support and assistance to move on from this…

    what baffles me, is the fact DLP supporters are on this story, posting negative things making it seem that Workers supporters are the ones posting this…. how so? Psychologically the way the words fall, you can feel by reading, that these are calculated posts…. cause they have no real feeling of being done by an illiterate person… it’s almost comedic… and that is low and blasted shame, that ppl will stoop so low…

    a family is in mourning and a community is hurting, but instead of giving support… you all feel to make political mileage on one’s death…. remember none of us know our appointed time… so when u decide to post (as a worker)… remember what is joke to you, is serious for others who are hurting…

  17. Simply the Truth
    May 6, 2014

    This is sad. My heartfelt sympathy to his family. May his soul rest in peace.
    Accidents as this one have previously occurred and in Canada. Drivers are warned, that should their vehicle conk out and of course is in need of repair, they should be careful and not try and repair it in the middle of the road or on the side of the road.
    We have CAA here that drivers could telephone if they are members. If not, they should telephone a towing truck to come to their aid. If the traffic is heavy, they are informed to keep their parking lights on and not to leave their vehicle until such help arrives or they must get out of the way of vehicles.
    I do not know what type of service D/ca has but it is dangerous remaining on the road or on the side of the road considering some roads are narrow. Worst yet if the road is a winding one. If possible, try to push the vehicle to the side of the road, away from traffic. Drivers please pay heed. This could happen to anyone, a driver or a passenger.

  18. campbell
    May 6, 2014

    so sad in times like this the family needs our prayers..rip sir

  19. SUZAN
    May 6, 2014

    Someone is dead, and instead they come together and unite, they mixing politics.
    Come on Dominicans!!!
    Now isn’t the time for that..
    My deepest sympathy to the family and friends of this individual….

  20. proud kalinago
    May 6, 2014

    mr francis i know you to be very careful driver on the road,i also know that you took this real hard,and tears came to my eyes,it could happen to anyone,rip
    pirate

  21. Prince Condi
    May 6, 2014

    I am truly saddened by the heartless comments in this time of grief. Accidents are colorblind; blue or red have no bearing. When elections are over, we will continue to work with each other. How on Earth can you rejoice over this tragedy in the name of politics.

  22. mango
    May 6, 2014

    I know three of the comment that was made their they are not UWP supporters they Labour supporters they told me they posting something in d no for workers to get blame

  23. Luke coralie
    May 6, 2014

    May thé lord of courage bring courage and comfort to this family

  24. big boss man
    May 6, 2014

    Boi people in dominica not easy nah boi

    R.I.P

  25. Anonymous
    May 6, 2014

    but what this sweet dominica really coming to! people someone is dead that’s one of our brother! his family are in pain he had children they need us now , that’s how we comfort them by all the negative comment? where is all this politics coming from . everybody has to vote for who ever they want to represent them its time me we stop all this nonsense people all over the world reading all these garbage we typing on line. if we cant say something good about our brother or sister just shut up! this is just ridiculous man. shame we can do much better than that come on people

    • special person
      May 6, 2014

      True true real talk

  26. pinky
    May 6, 2014

    Oh MY Please lordgive the family the strength to go through this. I am deeply sadden. WE had such a great time in st joe

  27. life
    May 6, 2014

    rip tepa :(

  28. reason
    May 6, 2014

    it is really disturbing to see some people mix politics with such tragedy.. it was an accident.. this could have happened at anytime… anywhere.. it has nothing to do with red or blue… condolences to the family..

  29. Reader
    May 6, 2014

    This is extremely sad news. My heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Viville. May God comfort you during your moment of grief.

  30. NA
    May 6, 2014

    That’s unfortunate and sad..May his soul rip..Drivers please exercise extra precaution..

  31. independent thinker
    May 6, 2014

    We must win at all cost!!!

    • A A C
      May 6, 2014

      FOOL…………. I pray that God forgive your ignorance

    • Figure & go
      May 6, 2014

      But it was an accident, and for that I am sorry. I just hope he got saved by Jesus before he died.

    • Figure & go
      May 6, 2014

      But it was an accident, and for that I am sorry and sad. I hope he got saved by Jesus before he died. RIP.

    • Me
      May 6, 2014

      Dat is if u know what ur foolish comment means. I’m annoyed at your ignorance and appalled at your lack of empathy… U sound dumb

    • Concerned
      May 7, 2014

      :cry: Really people (Dominicans ) come on set examples sigh
      we are really DOM and IN a CAN
      this is SOCIAL MEDIA
      RIP sir

  32. May 6, 2014

    This is so sad. Condolences to the family. May his soul rest in peace.

  33. Anonymous
    May 6, 2014

    i just knew i would see some idiot comments about RED this and RED that. stupid people, it is an ACCIDENT. RIP

  34. Tij
    May 6, 2014

    Are all postings reviewed by DNO before posting?

    Families are hurting and comments that are politically aligned and mean are unnecessary. Please be more discrete and sympathetic people.

    This could have happened to anyone, anywhere.

  35. my 2 cents
    May 6, 2014

    DNO the dead man was driving a pickup and the accident have nothing to do with the road being narrow as some people with no evidence are implying.Bus drivers take heed.you are carrying important cargo so be sure to service your vehicles on time and make sure that things like your brakes are intact before attempting to make money.a loaded coaster bus with no or low brakes and/or bad tyres is just an accident waiting to happen.

    • Anonymous
      May 6, 2014

      what are u implying ? Dumb …

  36. Mafystasha
    May 6, 2014

    its clear that the dlp will not stay in power , look at the incidents the woman house that burn in roseau she was sharing labour party tshits at the time of the fire , look now the man lost his life after their rally . hmmmm dlp im sorry but get well soon for you guys are now laying sick in the hospital bed. hope i would have to say except my sympathy soon .

  37. Hmm
    May 6, 2014

    SO sad. May the Lord comfort his loved ones at this time.

  38. fufu
    May 6, 2014

    Accidents happen in dominica all the time so I guess those had to do with labour as well smh. Few years ago a little girl from marigot flew through a front window of a bus and broke her neck in that accident. Im guessing that was labour as well smh.

  39. plain truth
    May 6, 2014

    Actually the road was large enough; it was d coaster brakes which gave out and hit d bus including two other vehicles, the deceased was under d bus checking on d left tyre therefore, when the coaster hit d bus, d bus fell on d deceased and cracked his skull. The moral of this tragedy is we should all get our vehicles serviced regularly. Don’t be cheap because u not only put yourself in danger but others too. My heart goes out to d family, it could happen to anyone so nothing political about such a tragedy.

  40. Kalinago
    May 6, 2014

    I am also from Bataca and its sad news to be hearing early this morning.

  41. Anonymous
    May 6, 2014

    bus drivers again. when will the police traffic dept step in and put some rules for these guys?

  42. warrington
    May 6, 2014

    and hope all of all u RED supporters will attend his funeral and hope the RED clinic will give assistance to his family. AFTER RALLY IS CRYING.

    • Anonymous
      May 7, 2014

      This is so Dumb of you

  43. Black Kalinago
    May 6, 2014

    Hey hey…. we have to be real, and not political of such situations… Most of the bus drivers were supporters of UWP.. but this is not the issue… the drivers involved are over the age of 40.. incidents do happen.. we dont have to be so narrow minded… red, blue, green, yellow, white, black, coloured…… we are all Dominican…. Rip Tipa!! Sure will be missed…

  44. sbannis
    May 6, 2014

    Too man y comments from people who don’t know what happened. And DNO I think you should get the story better than that you are missing out alot. The people saying the roads are narrow. The road is wide in that area and the accident was almost unavoidable. Like one of the people who commented said, people predicted that death would happen and that is a fact not fiction. It is not made up stories. RIP Tipa did not know you but you seemed like a good person.

  45. A Doubting Thomas
    May 6, 2014

    A few years ago a Dominican waiting in a bus shelter for her bus to take her to work, was struck by a vehicle that left the road and ran into the bus shelter. Why do you think that happened? She was not coming from any rally or party.

    Dominicans have to be more sympathetic to their fellowmen and do not allow politics to cloud our judgement and make us so bitter.

    This is a sad thing to have happen to anyone, anywhere and anytime. Accidents do happen and will continue to happen because some of us drivers do not always look out for the next driver or the pedestrians.

    Some of the responses here, make you believe the other side was praying for some disaster to happen; forgetting that our families, friends, neighbours and co-workers belong to one political parties or other. Hatred will get us no where.

    My Sympathies to the Family. May his Soul and the Souls of the Faithful Departed Rest In Peace.

  46. SUKIE
    May 6, 2014

    What time was this accident, how comes the other bus driver did not see the guy changing a tire, was the other driver that hit the man drunk… many questions to be answered…the rally always end up in someone dying or injured, Politics does that to people..

    • labour power
      May 6, 2014

      BRO ….the bus driver doesn’t drink alcohol. IT WAS AN ACCIDENT. stop bringing politics in that . stupes!!!!! so because it was a labour rally… that is the reason for the accident . IDIOT!!

  47. madame dominique
    May 6, 2014

    My deepest condolences to the family…RIP sir

  48. kimrah
    May 6, 2014

    R I P

  49. Jail-corrupt-leaders
    May 6, 2014

    All eyes on skerrit and skerrit alone.

  50. APachie Indian
    May 6, 2014

    MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE

  51. Possmoth
    May 6, 2014

    The road maybe narrow but the new generation of chauffeurs are terrible.. They overtake before corners, brows of hills even in villages.. Be fastest is their forte. May his soul rest in peace.. And condolences to his family..

  52. Anonymous
    May 6, 2014

    Red is DANGER! ! Really sad. R I P sir. Hope this open the eyes of others. .

    • Anonymous
      May 6, 2014

      Lol…….really? Ur comment is sad!

    • pestle
      May 6, 2014

      I am wondering if you have a heart!

    • SMDH
      May 6, 2014

      that’s is in such poor taste….idiot!

    • UWP?
      May 6, 2014

      What an idiot!

  53. j
    May 6, 2014

    Let’s not make this political…It could happen anytime and anywhere.. Remember that’s a human being you are commenting on. I am sure he has a family. It could have been me or you. Let’s pray for the family and stop the foolishness about RED>

    My condolences.

  54. Sakway Sot
    May 6, 2014

    For this reason I do not follow political parties to rallies. Too many vehicles travelling on a road system that was not designed to handle huge amounts of traffic at once.

    • Anonymous
      May 6, 2014

      its usually after sewo, political or not

  55. Tri-State Beauty
    May 6, 2014

    Truly sad. May his soul RIP.

  56. May 6, 2014

    Wake up domincans GOD is talking to u all thing will happen if we dont get our selfs together
    GOD IS THE WAY rip sir

    • UWP?
      May 6, 2014

      Yes, he is telling you to stop talking nonsense and love your brothers and sisters whether they are blue, green or red. he gave us a choice that we all have to exercise.

      • Born Again
        May 6, 2014

        God is the Way, the Truth and the Light!

  57. Tuerattied
    May 6, 2014

    RIP….
    This is so sad.

  58. Anonymous
    May 6, 2014

    RIP TEPA AKA PIRATE

  59. Efficatious
    May 6, 2014

    This gentleman drove a school bus,he does not get many passengers going to Roseau because they claim he drives too slow. No love, pity or inner conscience to make comments as such, shame. Another good person is gone. My condolences to the family

  60. CaraW
    May 6, 2014

    As sad as it is, one predicted death after the rally.

    • independent thinker
      May 6, 2014

      i am not at all surprised; Territory has the highest voter turn out on island, but it is said the chain is strong at it weakest link

    • UWP?
      May 6, 2014

      You guys cannot be UWP supporters. If that is the mentality of the party then may God help us all.

      • Hang Over
        May 6, 2014

        The 5 people were at the sewo. Had too much to drink.

  61. May 6, 2014

    Mr PM , that should have you include to your long ‘things to do before General elections 2015 ‘ list and Kalinagans should hold you up too and it being a determiner at the polls , ” road habilitation project for kalinago territory “. Condolences to the family and the territory .

    • spanish inquisition
      May 6, 2014

      you put politics before your condolences. so shove it! heartless prick!

      • just someoneelse
        May 6, 2014

        dispite of the location of the RIP you dont have to tell the person that they are heartless. what the person said makes sense. And they did send out their condolences, you are a fool, just for thinking that way.

  62. faceup
    May 6, 2014

    The DEVIL LOVES RED…BEWARE….rip Sir !

    • labour power
      May 6, 2014

      heartless (UWP) UN-UNITED WICKED PEOPLE. this was an accident. i personally knows the driver very well and i know the gentle man that got killed as well. the driver is a good man with a good heart. he is a slow driver and he is also very careful on the road. i am deeply sadden and my heart goes out to the family to the gentleman. hope you put your trust in God completly for he know it all.

      • Anonymous
        May 6, 2014

        @labour power! you can call people un-united but when your PM , Austrie and the others who speaking their ignorance on the platform yesterday, you were enjoying it. Were they unifying anybody at that point. Wicked and bias set of people.

    • UWP?
      May 6, 2014

      And he loves you to. You are doing his work now.

  63. possible in USA
    May 6, 2014

    What dose narrow roads got to do with that accident ….guess you need to read more international news.here in the USA you hear man break down and with all the large road people get killed in similar fashion.

    • LINTON / MARIGOT
      May 6, 2014

      This is so true state troopers get kill every day in the USA while doing traffic stops on the highway it is an accident get real people. My condolences go out to the family and I know the PM will be sadden by the news and will do everything in his power to comfort the family God bless him.

  64. Ras
    May 6, 2014

    this is sad……strength to the family

  65. May 6, 2014

    Sad to read this morning. Rip .

  66. Anonymous
    May 6, 2014

    May his soul R.I.P

  67. Anonymous
    May 6, 2014

    That is not true. Most times the bus drivers are driving way to fast on th road. It is not about the road being marrow , the roads are wide enough. My heart goes out the both families

  68. May 6, 2014

    rip mr kalinago. thats why i donot follow this kind of good times. prayers to your family the roads in this area is wide.he did not have an indecator lights on .

  69. Double JJ
    May 6, 2014

    Very sad

  70. Anonymous
    May 6, 2014

    RIP sir RIP

  71. Anonymous
    May 6, 2014

    with all that red I know some blood have to shed oh well thats just the first sacrifice

    • concern
      May 6, 2014

      Accidents happens anywhere and anytime. You stupid fool! Talking about sacrifice? If it was UWP would u have made that same comment? We shouldn’t be political about everything. If you do not have anything to say, just don’t say anything at all. RIP Tipa. We will surly miss you.

    • SMH!
      May 6, 2014

      You sound like the fool that you are.

    • SMDH
      May 6, 2014

      As Mr T wld say “Idiot is too good a name to call U… FOOL!!!!”

    • listener
      May 6, 2014

      Annimous, I think you probably related to a jack ass you know” ppl like you is the reason why your wish for change will never come, we talking about some one’s life here not party colour geeees man!
      calinago community my condolencies go out to you and may his soul RIP.

    • UWP?
      May 6, 2014

      I now understand why the UWP is having a hard time to win the DLP. To much hate. Even when one loose their life we rejoice? What a shame.

    • labour power
      May 6, 2014

      UWP supporters are so good at ticking people off. the driver is so slow and always careful on the road. i cannot understand how people like you behave like animals. you all are sick. bus driver we are praying for you. to the gentle man family we are praying for you all too

  72. wht ever
    May 6, 2014

    accept my sympathy Worm and Chubby,i knw yaul loved your dad :cry:

  73. Anonymous
    May 6, 2014

    maaaan… these roads in Dominica are too narrow… no where to pull over to even change a tyre… this is sad and I hope that in time the roads can be widened further… #RIP

    • wht ever
      May 6, 2014

      even the roads are narrow,we must be focused while driving,paying heed to other drivers and pedestrians!

    • anonymous21
      May 6, 2014

      Maybe people should just slow the heck down on these roads. Dominica the place where everyone is in a hurry to go nowhere and impatient as hell. Just have to butt in front of somebody to make their day. Take a good look……is this YOU?

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