BROWN’S TOWN, St Ann — A thick pall of sorrow permeated the air on Monday as co-workers of two men killed in Sunday night’s train crash struggled to cope.

The dead men have been identified as Clarendon resident Shane “Brown Man” Powell, a security guard employed to Secure World Corporation; and Discovery Bauxite Operations Limited train operator Orlando Brown who is from Brown’s Town, St Ann.

The Jamaica Observer was told that the men were onboard the bauxite train when it developed mechanical problems, derailed and crashed in a gully in Retreat, St Ann. Both received multiple injuries and died on the spot. The scene was processed and their bodies taken to a morgue. The crash occurred about 10:00 pm.

On Monday, co-workers spoke highly of Powell. They asked not to be identified by name.

“He was a good officer, one of those persons on the quieter side; right now I’m trying to cope. But apart from me there are also other persons who are affected,” one guard told the Jamaica Observer.

Another described his co-worker as humble.

“Brown Man was a humble youth who don’t really talk much, but that is just how life is sometimes,” he said.

People living in Retreat were also left stunned.

“Train turn over already but nobody never dead, so this is very sad. Me nuh related to none of the persons who died but me feel it, God know,” said one woman who gave her name as Chenee.

According to Discovery Bauxite Partners, all rail operations have been suspended to facilitate detailed investigations into the cause of the derailment.

The company’s Vice-President and Country Manager Delroy Dell has expressed his condolence to those affected.

“I know that employees will be deeply moved by this tragedy,” he said.