NDP appeals for calm, restraint in aftermath of vehicular incident

Leader of the Opposition and President of the New Democratic Party (NDP) Arnhim Eustace has appealed for calm and restraint as Vincentians await the results of the police investigation into a motor vehicle collision last Saturday night,{{more}} which left one man dead and several other people injured.

A release from the NDP said that at about 10:30 p.m. on December 6, at a public meeting of the NDP at the Clare Valley hard court, “a black 4-door motor vehicle bearing registration number P7516 drove directly into the crowded meeting space, pinning five attendees under the parked motor vehicle on which they rested, as well as impacting at least five others.

“When the vehicle rested, passengers alighted and at least one person fled the scene and was apprehended by police, where he remains in custody. Witnesses confirm the vehicle was heard to be revving before ploughing into the crowd; its headlights were turned off; and that the vehicle had driven past the public meeting twice before the incident.”

The release said that ten injured people, including a child, were taken to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital by medical, police and private transportation.

“Mr Edgar Cruickshank, who was among persons pinned underneath the car, succumbed to his injuries at the hospital, just past midnight, despite the efforts of medical personnel.

“Cruickshank had recently begun campaigning with NDP MP and candidate Nigel “Nature” Stephenson in the South Leeward constituency and his presence at the public meeting was acknowledged by Nigel who hailed it as a Clare Valley first,” the NDP release said.

“The New Democratic Party leadership joins with those who question the circumstances giving rise to the national tragedy at Clare Valley. The NDP extends condolences to the bereaved widow and family of Mr Cruickshank, and wishes a speedy and full recovery to all who suffered injury, physical and mental.

“Party Leader Mr Arnhim Eustace appeals for calm and restraint as all Vincentians await the results of a swift, thorough and transparent police investigation.”