Within a 24-hour period, St. Croix witnessed two separate traffic incidents involving a pedestrian and a vehicle collision that resulted in fatalities. The incidents are currently under investigation, the Virgin Islands Police Department reported.
On Tuesday at approximately 6:04 p.m., the Traffic Investigation Bureau responded to a collision involving a pedestrian on Queen Mary Highway (Route 70) near Target Service Station in Mars Hill, Frederiksted. A preliminary investigation indicated that the pedestrian, identified as 83-year-old Alexander Springer, appeared to have stepped into the roadway when struck by a silver Toyota Yaris that was traveling east, according to the police report.
Visible injuries were noted to Springer’s head and neck. The cause of death remains undetermined, pending an autopsy to ascertain the extent of trauma, the police report stated.
In a separate incident, on Wednesday, at approximately 4:26 p.m., the 911 Emergency Call Center requested a police officer attend a vehicle collision on Southside Road (Route 62) near H & H Tire and Battery. Upon arrival, a blue Chevy Colorado was located on the property of the Bethel Deliverance Center Church, with the driver, identified as 88-year-old Mathew Telesford, slumped over and unresponsive, the report stated.
Preliminary investigation revealed that a black Cadillac Escalade and the blue Chevy Colorado were both traveling north. The blue Chevy Colorado struck the right rear taillight of the Cadillac, then veered to the right, colliding with a utility pole before hitting a concrete slab. The driver and passenger of the Cadillac did not sustain injuries. However, the Emergency Medical Technician on site determined that Telesford succumbed to his injuries, it said.
Both cases remain under investigation by the Virgin Islands Police Department Traffic Investigation Bureau.
