Tragedy struck in Portmore, St Catherine Sunday afternoon when a 15-year-old boy died after falling from a bus that was part of a People’s National Party (PNP) motorcade in the Southboro community.

The deceased has been identified as Lamar Grey, of Gregory Park in the parish.

Eyewitnesses claimed that Grey was leaping from one bus to another, when he fell and hit his head. Some reports indicated that he was intoxicated at the time of the accident.

The police confirmed that the incident occurred about 5:30 pm.

Grey was rushed to the Spanish Town Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

On hearing of the tragedy, Portmore’s Mayor, Leon Thomas expressed condolences to the family of the teenager.

“I am urging supporters of both parties to be more careful when they are in motorcades supporting their candidates,” Thomas said. The Mayor said he would be visiting the parents of the teen to support them in their time of bereavement.

At the same time, the PNP is expressing regret over the incident. In a statement, the party’s General Secretary, Dr Dayton Campbell, extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, “during this unimaginably difficult time.”

“Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they grapple with the profound loss of their loved one,” the statement read.

It added that in light of the tragic incident, the PNP is urging everyone to respect the privacy of the grieving family.

“We ask that they be allowed the space they need to navigate this heartbreaking situation,” said Campbell.

And the PNP emphasised the importance of heightened vigilance and attention to safety among their supporters while campaigning for the up-coming Local Government Elections.

“The PNP commits its unwavering support to the families affected by this terrible tragedy. We stand ready to assist in any way possible and offer our deepest sympathies during this challenging time,” the statement said.

It’s the second major incident involving political motorcades in the ongoing campaign for the local poll set for February 26.

A Jamaica Labour Party supporter in St Thomas lost one of her legs after a truck transporting fellow supporters crashed in Roach Gully in the parish on February 8, Nomination Day.