An auto accident near the Cruz Bay Traffic Circle claimed the life of an elderly man over the weekend. Police say the incident apparently began when the driver of a Ford Explorer lost control at the top of a steep hill heading west towards town on Saturday.
The accident that claimed the life of 79-year-old Peter Germain took place about a block away from where hundreds of residents and visitors were celebrating the annual St. Patrick’s Day mini-parade. It also happened near the Leander Jurgens Police Command from where officers were dispatched to the accident scene.
Virgin Islands Police Department Communications Director Glen Dratte said once the driver lost control, the car accelerated downhill.
“On Saturday March 16, 2024, at about 11:43 a.m., a 2005 white Ford Explorer operated by Mr. Peter Germain, a 79-year-old male, was traveling westward on Gerda Marsh Drive on St. John. The driver lost control of the vehicle, which accelerated downhill, colliding with the rear of a black Jeep Wrangler operated by Ayla Martin. The Explorer then struck the wall off the westbound lane, causing major injuries and damages,” Dratte said.
It took several minutes for first responders to assist the accident victims and clear the scene. Traffic in both the east- and westbound lanes of Rt. 10, Gerda Marsh Drive, were stalled.
The drivers of both vehicles were taken to the Myrah Keating Clinic. Germain was transported to the Roy L. Schneider Hospital on St. Thomas for further treatment and later succumbed to his injuries, the spokesman said.
An unconfirmed report said Germain also had a passenger in his car at the time of the incident. Police did not confirm that information or provide further details.
Martin — the driver of the vehicle that was struck — was treated at the clinic and later released.
