Some of the students who were injured in a crash along the Holland Bamboo main road in St. Elizabeth, this morning, sat their Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate, CSEC exams at hospital today.

17 students, 14 from the Hampton School for girls and three from Munro College, sustained injuries, after a Toyota Noah collided with the coaster bus in which they were travelling.

The incident occurred  about 7 am.

In a statement this afternoon, the Education Ministry said four of the injured Hampton students were scheduled to sit their CSEC exams today.

In a direct response to the incident, the ministry said it obtained urgent approval from the Overseas Examinations Commission to deliver the examination papers to the Black River Hospital. 

The ministry explained that a vice principal and an authorised invigilator were dispatched to the location, immediately  where the hospital provided a secure space for the administration of the examination.

It said as a result of this coordinated effort, three of the four candidates were able to sit their exams as scheduled. 

The ministry noted however, that up to this afternoon, the fourth candidate was receiving medical attention for injuries that may prevent her from sitting today’s paper.

In the meantime, the ministry has ensured that all other students involved in the incident are receiving appropriate medical care and it remains in communication with the relevant health authorities and school personnel.

It added that education officers and a team of guidance counsellors have been deployed to both schools to offer psychological and emotional support to students and staff.

According to the ministry this is part of its ongoing commitment to ensure that both the immediate needs and long-term wellbeing of students are prioritised.

It has also extended thoughts and support to the injured students and their families during this time.

Meantime, Transport Minister Daryl Vaz in expressing sadness at this morning’s crash, has assured that St. Elizabeth will benefit from the Rural School Bus System soon.

The bus service was launched in Portland last Monday.

Mr. Vaz says under the system 60 buses are to be rolled out by September and another 40 by January next year.

He says 7 buses will be assigned to St. Elizabeth.