PHILIPSBURG: --- The island of Sint Maarten was struck by tragedy Sunday night after a third traffic fatality was recorded in less than eight hours, following a serious collision involving a scooter and a motor vehicle near the intersection of Voges Street and Nisbeth Road.
According to KPSM, emergency dispatch received several calls shortly after 8:00 p.m. on April 19 reporting a major accident at the busy junction.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the scooter rider was traveling along Nisbeth Road toward the Freedom Fighters Roundabout when a vehicle approaching from the opposite direction attempted to make a left turn onto Voges Street.
Police said initial findings suggest the scooter rider had been overtaking several vehicles and was riding on one wheel moments before the crash. During that maneuver, the scooter collided with the turning vehicle.
Ambulance personnel responded swiftly and transported the rider to Sint Maarten Medical Center in critical condition. A passenger in the vehicle also sustained serious injuries and was taken to the hospital for treatment.
Later that evening, authorities confirmed that the scooter rider had succumbed to injuries sustained in the collision.
The latest death marks the third fatal road fatality on the island within an eight-hour span, raising growing concern among residents and officials over road safety and reckless driving behavior.
In a statement, police urged all motorists and riders to obey traffic laws, avoid dangerous overtaking, and refrain from stunt riding on public roads.
“This is a deeply concerning development for the community,” police said, while extending condolences to the victim’s family and loved ones.
The Traffic Department continues to investigate the incident.