MANCHESTER, Jamaica—Minister of Local Government and Community Development Desmond McKenzie says he is saddened to learn of the death of nine-year-old Amoya Moore, who was killed in a tragic motor vehicle accident involving a garbage truck in her community in Mandeville Tuesday morning.

“It is very difficult for me to adequately express my feelings about this. It is, simply put, a tragedy all round. From all indications, garbage collection was in progress when the accident occurred. While the incident is still being investigated, and the vehicle has been impounded for the necessary inspection as part of the investigative process, I feel the shock, the disbelief and the grief that is radiating around Bonitto Crescent, and at Villa Road Primary School, at the unexpected and tragic loss of one of the community’s youngest members,” McKenzie said in a media statement.

The Grade 4 student was reportedly on her way to school when the accident occurred.

McKenzie said he feels the grief of Amara’s relatives and friends as they try to somehow accept that she will not be walking back home today or ever again.

“I have seen some of the images of family members, community members, members of the NSWMA team and persons who have just passed by the accident scene and the trauma is evident. I want to join the many persons who have expressed great regret at this occurrence, and invoke every comfort and sense of strength upon Amara’s family especially, as they endure this period of painful loss,” McKenzie continued.

READ: Nine-year-old mowed down in Mandeville by garbage truck