FREDERIKSTED — A 19-year-old St. Croix college student died in a head-on collision on the Melvin Evans Highway on Wednesday afternoon, authorities said.
The 911 Emergency Call Center dispatched officers to an auto accident on the Melvin Evans Highway near the Home Depot about 5:15 p.m. Wednesday, the Virgin Islands Police Department said.
Officers observed a two-vehicle accident involving a gray Ford F-150 and a white Toyota Yaris, according to the VIPD.
“Investigation into the accident revealed that the Toyota Yaris, traveling west, entered the eastbound lane,” VIPD spokesman Toby Derima said. “The Ford F-150, traveling east, collided into the Toyota Yaris, despite evasive measures taken by the driver of the Ford F-150.”
Each driver was transported to the Juan F. Luis Hospital and Medical Center.
“The driver of the Ford F-150 was treated and released,” Derima said. “The driver of the Toyota Yaris was seriously injured, and later succumbed to his injuries.”
The driver of the Toyota Yaris was identified as 19-year-old Julio Carmona III, he said.
Meanwhile the response in general on social media was critical of the Emergency Response system in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Last week two people were laying flat out in the highway after a major accident,” Scott Woelfel said on Facebook. “I went into home for 20 minutes left and still no police or ambulance and people in the highway on the ground while people drove around them. 911 is a joke among other ‘enforcement and rescue’ organizations. I have been laughed at by a 911 person. Damn shame. System abuse. We need a major shakedown here. starting from the top!”
Others focused on Carmona’s family and their loss.
“Condolences to the family ???? ameno,” Ramona Westerberg wrote on Facebook.
And Jobs For America’s Graduates – St. Croix made this post on Facebook about Carmona:
“Our Julio Carmona has passed this morning. He was in a terrible car accident,” JAG said. “The accident cause head injuries. Please continue to pray for his family. He just completed a year in college and was looking forward to a bright future. 1Hebrews 13:5 I will never leave you or forsake you. Deepest condolences from the JAG team! We love and miss you dearly…”
The investigation into this accident, conducted by officers of the Traffic Investigation Bureau, is ongoing, according to police.
