Five killed in Tobago smash-up (with CNC3 video)

Four families in Tobago were thrown into mourning yesterday, after an accident along the Claude Noel Highway claimed the lives of five people. Killed in the accident were Alloy Duke, 50, of Buccoo; Fernando Stewart, 36, and his uncle Kriston Stewart, 50, Arnesta Hamilton-Williams, 38, of Patience Hill, and Steven Winchester, of Signal Hill.

The Trinidad and Tobago Guardian understands that Kriston Stewart was living in Germany and had returned home for the Carnival celebrations. He was expected to return to Germany next week. According to police reports, the incident occurred around 4 am yesterday.

Police said Duke was driving east along the highway in his purple Mazda 3 SUV when, on reaching the intersection at the Orange Hill traffic light, he overtook a line of cars and collided with a green Lancer driven by Fernando Stewart, which was heading in the opposite direction. Duke was the lone occupant of his vehicle, while the Stewarts, Hamilton-Williams and Winchester were occupants of the other vehicle.

Five dead in Tobago accident

All of the victims died on impact. Speaking with the T&T Guardian yesterday, ACP for Tobago, Hugh Lovell, appealed to people to be careful on the roads during the festive season. He also reminded citizens that police officers would be at strategic points in Tobago during the season and would be conducting roadblocks and administering breathalyser tests.

The T&T Guardian understands police used CCTV cameras to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the accident. The Scarborough Traffic Branch is continuing investigations.