CLARENDON, Jamaica — The police have reported that 23 students were injured — one of them seriously in a two-vehicle collision in Vernam Field, Clarendon this morning.

The incident, which occurred about 9:00 am, reportedly involved a Toyota Picnic motor car and a Toyota Hiace minibus that was operating illegally.

A subsequent release from the Transport Ministry said five adults including a district constable were also injured in the crash. 

Investigators are also reporting that the driver of the Toyota Hiace minibus has fled the scene, and are advising him to turn himself in to the nearest police station immediately.

Meanwhile, Transport Minister Lester ‘Mike’ Henry said preliminary information reaching him is that the mini-bus, which is licensed to carry fifteen passengers, had twenty five passengers on board. He said this is a clear case of overloading. 

The Clarendon Police also appealed to students in the parish to use only authorised public passenger vehicles when travelling to and from school.

More information later.