Delroy Rodney, a 47-year-old taxi operator from Belmont in Westmoreland has pleaded guilty to five counts of causing death by dangerous driving in connection with a fatal crash that occurred last year.

Rodney appeared before Justice Courtney Daye in the Westmoreland Circuit Court today where he admitted to the charges.

The crash, which took place on November 13, 2023 on the Bluefields Main Road, claimed the lives of five individuals, including 15-year-old student Lavecia Forrester and her mother, 39-year-old Petrina Wallace, along with Oneil Allen, his mother 65-year-old Angela Samuel and 54-year-old Janet Thompson.

According to reports, Rodney was driving a Toyota Voxy with five passengers when it collided with a Shakman motor truck.

The passengers sustained serious injuries and were pronounced dead at the hospital shortly after the crash.

Following the incident, Rodney was arrested and charged.

He was granted bail under strict conditions, including the surrender of his travel documents and regular reporting to the police.

His bail was extended several times as the court awaited additional evidence and reports.

A sentencing hearing for Rodney has been set for February 20, 2025.

In the meantime, Justice Daye has ordered a social inquiry report and a victim impact statement from the relatives of the deceased.