A trauma team from the Ministry of Education and Youth was dispatched to the Petersfield High School in Westmoreland after two students died in a motor vehicle crash on their way to school.

Minister of Education and Youth Fayval Williams says the move is a standard protocol when these traumatic events occur.

“I think we can all agree that this is a tragic loss on many levels. A loss to their families, school, communities, and Jamaica as a whole. I pray that with the support of the Ministry’s counselling team and that of the wider community, the immediate and extended families will be able to find some comfort during this difficult time,” said Williams.

She again extended condolences to the family members, friends, and students of Petersfield High School, describing the students’ death as unfortunate.

The education minister made the remarks at a post-Cabinet press briefing on Wednesday.

Police reports indicate that on Tuesday, 16-year-old Ajani Robinson and 14-year-old Zackeal McIntire, both of Pinnock Charfton in Darliston, Westmoreland, were travelling on a motorcycle along the Petersfield main road when they lost control of the motorcycle. The motorcycle collided with a car, which caught fire.

The boys were taken to the hospital for treatment but succumbed to their injuries.