ST ELIZABETH, Jamaica — A man is feared dead even as emergency responders are now trying to locate a vehicle which plunged into the Black River off the Lacovia Bridge in St Elizabeth on Friday.

Councillor Christopher Williams (Jamaica Labour Party, Santa Cruz division) told Observer Online that about 1:00 pm the vehicle was traveling on the Lacovia main road when upon reaching the bridge the driver reported lost control and the vehicle went off road into the river.

The bridge’s rails have been compromised for several years and were further deteriorated during the passage of Hurricane Melissa on October 28.

Councillor Williams said the man’s stepson reportedly managed to swim from the vehicle before it was submerged.

“He got some serious injuries to his eyes and ears. He swam out. All now they cannot locate the vehicle… The young man said he was trying to release the seatbelt but he couldn’t so he had to just go up and save himself,” said Williams.

The councillor said divers, the fire brigade and the police are at the scene.

— Kasey Williams

(Video: Councillor Christopher Williams)