Fatal Hit-and-Run Prompts Call for Safer Pedestrian Practices. Soon after the tragic death of 11-year-old Duryan McKenzie. He was killed in a hit-and-run accident on Monday, June 9, 2025. Dr. Lucien Jones, vice chairman of the National Road Safety Council, urged pedestrians to use designated crosswalks on the Mandela Highway.
Reports indicated that at about 3:00 p.m., young Duryan exited a bus, and while walking home from school, a minivan struck him. The driver reportedly fled the scene.
Dr. Jones encouraged pedestrians using the Mandela Highway to exercise extreme caution. He advised them to exclusively use the overhead bridge to cross the road. Because any effort to cross that road otherwise is shaking hands with danger.
Chairman Jones highlighted that of the 171 fatalities resulting from road accidents this year, 38 involved pedestrians.
“This alarming statistic underscores the vulnerability of road users, particularly pedestrians, who are the most affected by accidents on our roads. The death of a child on the Mandela Highway on Monday starkly highlights the urgent need to protect pedestrians from the chaos and dangers present on these roads,” Jones stated.
Dr. Lucien Jones, vice chairman of the National Road Safety Council in Jamaica
Further, Dr. Jones described the Mandela Highway as a “dangerous place.” He pointed out that, despite a speed limit of 80 kilometers per hour, drivers often exceed this limit.
He explained that once motorists exceed 30 kilometers per hour, the chance of a pedestrian surviving a collision decreases significantly.
Jones emphasized the need for motorists to reduce speed, particularly in urban areas. He cited the World Health Organization mandates. These mandates demand that countries implement a top speed limit of 30 kilometers per hour in built-up areas.
Besides, Dr. Jones stressed the importance of providing adequate pedestrian facilities while encouraging pedestrians to take responsibility for their safety.
Police capture driver in fatal hit-and-run that killed an 11-y-o boy
The police have reported that they have apprehended the driver involved in the fatal hit-and-run accident. The accident claimed the life of 11-year-old Duran McKenzie on Monday. The incident occurred along Ferry Service Road in St. Andrew, where Duran was a resident of the Ferry District.
Authorities identified the driver using the license plate number of the 2019 Ford Transit vehicle involved in the accident. The driver, who resides in Portmore, has now been taken into custody.
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