Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett has expressed deep sadness at the death and critical injuries to members of staff of Excellence Oyster Bay Resort in Trelawny, following a two-vehicle collision along the St Ann/Trelawny border on Saturday morning.

The deceased have been identified as Reece Thomas and Mikel Thompson who were employed in the housekeeping department.

Nine other employees are said to be hospitalised.

READ: UPDATE: Hotel workers killed in St Ann crash identified

While the circumstances that led to this unfortunate incident are being determined by the police, Bartlett said, “I am distraught that we have yet another fatal accident on our roads, adding to the record number already recorded for the year. I am further saddened that the victims are vital members of the tourism industry who would otherwise be making a sterling contribution to the sector.”

He said the injured, none of whom have been deemed critical, are receiving treatment at the Falmouth General Hospital.

Bartlett expressed condolences to the families of the deceased staff members and their colleagues and hoped that the other injured employees will come out with a clean slate, even as they struggle to overcome the trauma.

He also stated that discussions have started with key stakeholders, including the police and the National Works Agency, to determine the reason for the frequent crashes along the highway and to explore possible mitigating actions.