Nov. 23, 2007 — Nellon Bowry, interim executive director of the V.I. Water and Power Authority, expressed concern Friday about the 29 people injured this week when a WAPA bucket truck lost control while traveling down St. Thomas' Mafolie Hill.
"I have been closely monitoring the situation, and we are grateful that the 22 tourists, four local residents and three WAPA linemen have been released from the Roy L. Schneider Hospital," Bowry said, according to a WAPA news release. "However, our prayers continue for their quick recovery and, in particular, we pray for the cruise-ship passenger who was airlifted to a stateside facility for further medical attention."
WAPA will continue to coordinate efforts with WICO and the V.I. Department of Tourism to assist in minimizing the inconveniences of those who were required to stay on island once the Carnivale Valor departed Wednesday night from St. Thomas, Bowry said. The majority of the passengers involved in the accident were released from the hospital and returned to the ship before it departed.
WAPA will fully cooperate with the investigation of the accident by the V.I. Police Department and all other designated agencies, the release said. WAPA will also conduct its own internal investigation of the accident.
"WAPA would like to express appreciation to all the emergency responders who assisted professionally and compassionately at the scene of the accident and at the hospital," Bowry said. "We also commend those who offered support to the injured and did whatever they could to lessen the impact of a difficult situation."
Back Talk Share your reaction to this news with other Source readers. Please include headline, your name and city and state/country or island where you reside.
