A police spokesperson said, “Around 3am on Saturday, May 19th police and first responders attended a reported collision on Middle Road in Paget near the junction with Cobbs Hill Road involving a taxi and a motorcycle.

“It appears that both vehicles were traveling along Middle Road when they collided. As a result the motorcycle rider, a 33 year old Southampton man, was injured and taken to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital via ambulance for treatment.

“No other injuries were reported; however both vehicles were damaged. Inquiries are ongoing and any witnesses are encouraged to contact PC Christopher Brady on 295-0011.

“Around 12:30am on Saturday, May 19th police and first responders attended a reported collision on Middle Road in Sandys parish near the junction with Woodlawn Road involving a SUV and a motorcycle. It appears that both vehicles were traveling along Middle Road when they collided.

“As a result the motorcycle rider, a 41 year old Sandys parish man, was injured and taken to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital via ambulance for treatment. At last check, the victim was in stable condition on a general ward.

“No other injuries were reported; however both vehicles were damaged. Inquiries are ongoing and any witnesses are encouraged to contact PC Gavin Richardson on 295-0011.”

Both the rider and passenger suffered injuries and were taken to hospital by an attending ambulance. The cycle received extensive damage and the bus received some front-end damage.

A police spokesperson said, “Around 10:45am on Wednesday May 16th, police and first responders attended a reported collision on Malabar Road in Sandys between a livery cycle and a bus.

“It appears that the vehicles were travelling along Malabar Road when the livery cycle collided with a fence, injuring both the rider and pillion passenger.

“After striking the fence, the reportedly unmanned livery cycle collided with the bus. The rider of the livery cycle, a 63 year old male American visitor and his pillion passenger; a 57 year old female American visitor were injured.

“However, their injuries are not believed to be serious. Both were conveyed to KEMH via ambulance for treatment. The cycle was extensively damaged and the bus received front-end damage. Inquiries into this incident are underway.”

Bermuda Fire Service spokesperson Lieutenant Wenda Roberts said they responded with three vehicles, seven personnel, and quickly extinguished the fire.

Both the Police and Fire Service responded to the scene, cordoning off the area with tape as a small crowd of onlookers watched the emergency service personnel at work.

Officials confirmed that no one was injured in the matter, which remains under investigation.

Two vehicles attended and extinguished the fire, with both vehicles leaving the scene at approximately 12.30pm. We unofficially understand the fire started after the driver started the car, and that no one was injured.

A police spokesperson said, “Around 12:10pm on Tuesday May 8th, police responded to a single vehicle, damage only collision on York Street in St. George’s involving a bus. It appears that an unoccupied bus was left stationary on York Street near the junction with One Gun Alley.

“However, it subsequently collided with a wall in the area. There were no reported injuries. The bus received front-end damage and the wall was also damaged. Inquiries into this incident are ongoing.”

Firefighters found an area approximately 30ft x 30ft involved in fire and went about laying two water hoses to fight the blaze. Two fire service vehicles attended the scene with approximately six personnel.

Police also attended and ensured the gathered onlookers did not venture too close to the scene. The fire was extinguished and the area was wet down with debris being turned over with a rake to ensure no areas were missed.

“It appears that a car and an auxiliary cycle were travelling along Malabar Road when they collided. The rider of the auxiliary cycle, a 16 year old Sandys male was injured and conveyed to KEMH via ambulance for treatment of a leg injury. He was later released.

“The driver, an 82 year old Sandys man was not injured. Inquiries into this incident are ongoing.”

The statement reads, “The Coroner, Mr. Archibald Warner having reviewed the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service’s file concerning the investigation into the cause of the fire at Holmes Williams Purvey, 54, St. John’s Road, Pembroke that occurred on Monday August 8, 2011 is satisfied that the fire was accidental.

“Pursuant to section 9 of the Coroner’s Act, 1938 and as read with section 23 of the said Act, the Coroner, has dispense with the need to hold an inquest into the said fire.”

A police spokesperson said, “Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses with regard to a reported serious single vehicle collision that occurred in the Palmetto Road, Roberts Avenue Devonshire area around 1am on Saturday April 14th.

“It appears that the victim, a 53 year old Smith’s parish man was riding a motorcycle through the area when the incident occurred. He was injured and conveyed to KEMH via ambulance for treatment.

“The Smith’s man has since been flown overseas for further medical treatment. Inquiries are ongoing and police continue to appeal for any witnesses to contact PC Rawle Massiah on 295-0011.”

A police spokesperson said, “Around 1am on Saturday, April 14th police and first responders attended a reported single vehicle collision in the Palmetto Road, Roberts Avenue Devonshire area.

“Details about the incident are unclear at this time; however a damaged motorcycle was found at the scene along with an injured 53 year old Smith’s parish man, believed to be the rider.

“The victim was taken to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital via ambulance for treatment of his injuries and at last check was in the Intensive Care Unit.

“Inquiries are ongoing and any witnesses or anyone with any information is encouraged to contact the main police number on 295-0011.”

The accident appears to have involved a single motorcycle, with the male rider sustaining injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment. Police have cordoned off part of the area, and are investigating the scene.

Update Apr.15: The bike rider, a 53-year-old man, is in the Intensive Care Unit.

A police spokesperson said, “Around 1:40am on Friday April 13th, police on mobile patrol noticed a motorcycle driving erratically near the junction of King Street and Dundonald Street in Pembroke.

“Officers stopped the motorcycle near the corner of King Street and Church Street and approached the rider, a 42 year old Pembroke man, who appeared to be intoxicated. He was arrested on suspicion of impaired driving.

“He later failed the alco-analyser test and was detained in police custody as a result. A court appearance is anticipated in due course.

“Around 7:50pm on Thursday April 12th, police responded to a reported single vehicle collision on Middle Road, Paget near the junction with Lovers Lane. On arrival, officers spoke to the rider, a 26 year old Paget man, who appeared to be intoxicated.

“He was arrested on suspicion of impaired driving. He later failed the alco-analyser test and was detained in police custody as a result. A court appearance is anticipated in due course.”

“Firefighters worked extremely hard under very adverse conditions and each and every one of them is to be commended for the magnificent job done in bringing this fire under control is so short a period of time,” said Minister Perinchief.

The Minister also announced that although accidental ignition of the blaze was the likely cause, there is insufficient evidence to record that as the official cause of the fire.

Speaking in the House of Assembly this morning [Apr.13], Minister Perinchief said, “Mr. Speaker, my colleague, the Honourable Member who speaks for Public Works will more fully detail the events surrounding the recent fire at the Marsh Folly site, but I can advise Honourable Members that the investigation into the fire has been completed and the results have been provided to me, in summary, by the Chief Fire Officer.

“Mr. Speaker, deliberate ignition, weather conditions and spontaneous ignition have all been ruled out as causes of the fire. Whilst accidental ignition is the likely cause, there is insufficient evidence to record that as the official cause of the fire. Best practice demands that the official cause of the fire be recorded as “undetermined”.

“Mr. Speaker, it would be remiss of me not to recognize the incredible work and professionalism of the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service throughout this event, the Bermuda Police Service who provided vital traffic and crowd control and the Bermuda Regiment.

“Mr. Speaker, I happened to be with the Chief Fire Officer at a public meeting in St. George’s when the call came that the fire had started and that it was serious. The Service immediately got to work and set about mitigating the blaze and its effects on the site and the surrounding area.

“Mr. Speaker, the dramatic pictures that formed part of the media coverage were true snapshots of the event because in record time the firefighters on the scene had controlled the blaze and rendered the site safe.

http://youtu.be/MrZ4lNyjRJQ

“Mr. Speaker, these efforts and their results were no coincidence or stroke of luck. Having adopted the advice of the Fire Service in the period since the last fire, this blaze was easier to manage and potentially devastating effects significant mitigated. In addition to this aspect of matters, Mr. Speaker, this is an instance where prudent investment in infrastructure, top-level training and state-of the art equipment made all the difference.

“Mr. Speaker, I wish to highlight for Honourable Members in particular, the Hytrans Fire System mobile water supply. Mr. Speaker, this piece of equipment has the potential to save lives and make the difference in the fight against serious fires.

“With taller buildings in the City of Hamilton and a hydrant system that is in desperate need of upgrade, property owners and residents in our main commercial centre can take comfort in the fact that the Fire Service can meet the challenge of a fire in the new buildings that no dot the city’s skyline.

“Mr. Speaker, the Hytrans system pumps water at a rate of 2100 gallons per minute and comes complete with a mile of hose. Mr. Speaker, this is prudent, validated investment whose use has already demonstrated value for money.

“Firefighters worked extremely hard under very adverse conditions and each and every one of them is to be commended for the magnificent job done in bringing this fire under control is so short a period of time.

“Mr. Speaker, the Fire Service was ably supported in their efforts by a detachment from the Bermuda Regiment. 50 soldiers provided valuable support and had been pressed into service from the very evening the fire started.

“They were an integral part of separating waste piles ranging from 150 – 175 ft high using the equipment provided. This, in turn, helped to decrease the amount of burnable material and made it easier to put the fires out.

“During the course of the day, the soldiers assisted the Fire Service by carrying out associated tasks, such as moving hoses, clearing debris and general duties to enable the firefighters to concentrate on specialist tasks or take well earned rest.

“Although soldiers are not trained specifically to deal with large fires, their comprehensive training package enables them to follow orders with discipline, make well evaluated decisions, and act with determination and tenacity.

“Mr. Speaker, the Ministry of National Security is immensely proud of all of the uniformed services who played a vital role in safety and security in connection with this event. But for their high standard of training, discipline and commitment, we could be talking today in more tragic terms. Thankfully we are not.”

A police spokesperson said, “Around 1pm on Thursday April 12th, police and first responders attended a reported collision on the roundabout located at the junction of Woodland Road, Serpentine Road and Par La Ville Road in Pembroke involving three vehicles.

“It appears that two cars and a motorcycle were negotiating the roundabout when they collided. The rider, a 17 year old Smith’s parish female was injured and conveyed to KEMH via ambulance. She was treated for her injuries, which were relatively minor and later released.

“The drivers, a 49 year old Southampton man and a 39 year old Pembroke woman were not injured. Inquiries into this incident are underway.”

A police spokesperson said, “Around 9:10pm on Thursday April 12th, police and first responders attended a single vehicle collision near the junction of Harbour Road and Warwick Park Road in Warwick.

“It appears that a motorcycle was travelling along Harbour Road when it collided with a parked Government trailer. The rider, a 48 year old Warwick man was conveyed to KEMH via ambulance for a leg injury. The motorcycle was extensively damaged, however, his injuries are not believed to be life threatening.

“Inquiries into this incident are underway. Witnesses or anyone with any information are encouraged to contact PC Michael Charlton on 295-0011.”

“Around 2:50pm on Wednesday April 11th, police and first responders attended a reported collision on York Street in St. George’s between a car and a pedestrian,” said a police spokesperson.

“The pedestrian, a 75 year old St. George’s woman received a leg injury and was conveyed to KEMH via ambulance for treatment. Her injuries are not believed to be life threatening. The driver, a 31 year old Warwick man, was not injured. Inquiries into this incident are underway.”

“Around 11:20am on Wednesday, April 11th police responded to a reported burglary at a Chaingate Hill, Devonshire residence,” said a police spokesperson.

“An item of jewellery was reported stolen during the incident; however just prior, the occupant was able to escape to a neighbour’s property where police were called and promptly attended.

“A marked police car responding to the scene was involved in a damage only collision with a Government van in the area. The police vehicle received front end damage while the Government vehicle received relatively minor damage. There were no reported injuries.

“Inquiries are ongoing and police are appealing for anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity in the Chaingate Hill, Devonshire area between 10:30am and 11:15am Wednesday, April 11th to contact the Hamilton Criminal Investigation Unit on 295-0011.”

A police statement said, “Around 12 noon on Monday April 9th, police responded to a report of a collision between a truck and a livery cycle. It appears that the vehicles were travelling along Malabar Road in Sandys when they collided.

“The rider, a 46 year old American female visitor, sustained serious leg injuries and was conveyed to KEMH via ambulance for treatment. At last check she was in the Intensive Care Unit.

“It is anticipated that she will be flown overseas for further medical treatment. Inquiries into this incident are ongoing.”

A police spokesperson said, “Around 12 noon on Monday April 9th, police responded to a report of a collision between a truck and a livery cycle.

“It appears that the vehicles were travelling along Mangrove Bay Road in Sandys when they collided. The rider, a visitor to the island, was injured and conveyed to KEMH via ambulance for treatment.

“Inquiries into this incident are underway. The scene of the collision was closed off from traffic for further forensic examination. It is anticipated to re-open shortly.”

Update 2.06pm: The road has re-opened to traffic. The bike could be seen wedged under the front wheel of a truck, with unofficial reports indicating the visitor sustained serious injuries to her leg[s].

A police spokesperson said, “Around 7:40pm on Saturday April 7th, police responded to a report of a single vehicle collision near the junction of Cox’s Hill Road and St. John’s Road in Pembroke. It appears that a motorcycle was travelling along St. John’s Road when it collided with a wall.”

“The rider, a 23 year old Sandys man was conveyed to KEMH via ambulance for treatment of his injuries, which are not believed to be life threatening. Inquiries into this incident are ongoing.”

A police spokesperson said, “Around 3:15am on Wednesday April 4th, police responded to a report of a collision between a car and a parked car on Scott’s Hill Road in Sandys. It appears that the car was travelling along Scott’s Hill Road when it collided with a car that was parked outside a residence.”

“The driver, a 54 year old Sandys man was injured and conveyed to KEMH via ambulance where he was treated for his injuries. The passenger, a 42 year old man sustained injuries that apparently did not require hospital treatment. Both vehicles were extensively damaged. Inquiries into this incident are underway.|

Immediately following the fire, residents were advised to block gutters until the arrival of the next hard rain in order to lessen the impact of particles entering the tank. This time has now passed.

Residents have been advised to drink bottled water in the short term as the fine horticultural particulates – although not toxic to the water supply – may dirty the tank.

Homeowners who have not cleaned their tanks in the past 6 years should take the opportunity to do so now (if roof is clean).

Homeowners whose roofs are dirty and have not been painted in the past two years should take the opportunity to do so now.

Testing results from the last major fire indicated that contaminant levels still fell within drinking water quality guidelines. However, current testing arrangements are presently underway – the results of which will be released to the public as soon as testing is completed.

In the absence of regular treatment or disinfection, residents are reminded to always boil tank water before drinking.

For further information please contact 278-4975/4976/4977

Dozens of personnel from the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service responded, with firefighters called in from all over the island, as well as off duty staff receiving calls to respond to the emergency. They worked for hours to battle the blaze, with private water truckers assisting the efforts by transporting water to the scene.

Chief Fire Officer Vincent Hollinsid said they had 17 fire vehicles, and 60-70 personnel on scene. He said there were two areas of horticultural waste on fire – one measuring 50ft x 60ft, the other measuring approximately 60ft x 200ft.

Dozens of onlookers watched, many taking photos with their phones, one motorcycle rider even arrived up wearing a full faced gas mask. Some area residents reported a hard time leaving their homes, as spectators parked randomly blocking entrances, with many also saying the smoke had made its way into their homes.

The Bermuda Police Service maintained watch, while the Bermuda Regiment provided manpower to help clean up. We unofficially understand one firefighter was transported to KEMH for treatment to unknown injuries.

Public Works Minister Michael Weeks said: “We are taking this situation very seriously and our top priority is to ensure the safety of area residents. Cedarbridge Academy has been made available should any residents affected by smoke need to evacuate to a safe place. We will update the public as this situation develops, but I urge people to stay clear of the area and allow the emergency services to carry out their work.”

Click to enlarge:

It appears a car was travelling along Somerset Road when the vehicle overturned and landed smashing into a building at the junction of Somerset Road and Portland Lane.

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Unofficial reports indicate the driver was removed from the vehicle and transported to King Edward Memorial Hospital for treatment. The driver’s injuries are unknown at this time however, we will update as able.

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The vehicle was removed from the building by Quick Response Towing under the watchful eye of the Fire Service then taken away at approximately 2:00am. Personnel could then be seen temporarily securing the damaged building with a tarpaulin.

Update 11.22am: A police spokesperson said, ““Around 12:30am on Friday, March 30th police and first responders attended a reported single vehicle collision at the junction of Somerset Road and Portland Lane in Sandys parish.

“It appears that a car was traveling along Somerset Road when it overturned and collided with a nearby building. The driver, a 29 year old Paget woman, was injured and taken to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital via ambulance for treatment; however her injuries are not believed to be life threatening.

“The car was extensively damaged as a result. The building was also damaged. Inquiries into this incident are underway.”

Update 8.25pm: The fire is spreading…fire personnel are on scene, with more continuing to arrive.

Marsh Folly and Palmetto Road is beginning to fill up with spectators. The fire continues to spread, and the fire service appears to be calling in additional personnel. Smoke can be seen and smelled for miles away.

Update 8.42pm: There are two piles of horticultural waste on fire, spanning hundreds of feet. Photo slideshow below:

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Update 9.01pm: Live video stream from the Pembroke Dump below [replay now playing]

Update 11.08pm: Fire Chief Vince Hollinsid is on the scene, as is Minister of Public Works Michael Weeks. Minister Weeks said that a decision has not been made about evacuating homes nearby, however CedarBridge Academy was being readied in case. We have also been made to understand the Bermuda Regiment has offered their assistance if needed. Over 15 fire trucks responded to the call, from all ends of the island, with dozens of personnel involved.

Update 11.23pm: A statement just issued by Government follows below:

he Hon. Michael Weeks J.P., M.P., Minister of Public Works this evening advised of a fire breaking out at Marsh Folly Composting Facility in Pembroke.

Emergency services including Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service (BFRS) and the Bermuda Police Service (BPS) responded to a call about the fire and are on the scene with Minister Weeks working to contain the situation.

Minister Weeks advised that Cedarbridge Academy will be made available should any residents affected by the fire need to evacuate.

Minister Weeks said: “We are taking this situation very seriously and our top priority is to ensure the safety of area residents. Cedarbridge Academy has been made available should any residents affected by smoke need to evacuate to a safe place. We will update the public as this situation develops, but I urge people to stay clear of the area and allow the emergency services to carry out their work.”

Minister Weeks advised that the Hon. Paula A. Cox, J.P., M.P., Premier and Minister of Finance and other area MPs are lending their support to ensure the residents in the area are safe during this most unfortunate time. Together, they are urging residents to stay vigilant and inside as much as possible.

Minister Weeks added: “I must commend the excellent work of BFRS Chief Vince Hollinsid and his team for doing such a great job and staying calm under pressure. The Bermuda Police Service is also to be commended for keeping the area clear and traffic flowing.”

Update 11.51pm: Palmetto Road has just been opened to traffic

Update 12.20am: Chief Fire Officer Vincent Hollinsid speaking at the scene, saying they had 17 fire vehicles, and 60-70 personnel on scene, including off duty firefighters who were called in. He said there were two areas of horticultural waste on fire – one measuring 50ft x 60ft, the other measuring approximately 60ft x 200ft.

A police spokesperson said, “Around 5:20pm on Wednesday, March 28th police and first responders attended a reported single vehicle collision on Blackwatch Pass in Pembroke. It appears that a motorcycle was traveling along Blackwatch Pass when it collided with a sidewalk.”

“As a result the rider, a 22 year old Hamilton parish man, was injured; however his injuries are not believed to be serious. Inquiries into this incident are underway.”

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Shortly after this incident, emergency services were sent to a report of an accident on Watlington Road East [pictured above]. There was a collision at the junction with Poinsiana Road involving a car and motorcycle. Unofficial reports suggest both the rider of the motorcycle and driver of car escaped without injury.

A tow truck removed the car at approximately 2.45pm, and the road remains blocked as of 2.50pm. Details are sketchy but it is understood the driver was not seriously injured. We will update with official information as able.

Update 5:15pm: A police spokesperson said, “Inquiries are underway into a single vehicle damage only collision involving a police car that occurred around 12:15pm on Wednesday, March 28th in the North Shore Road, Barkers Hill Devonshire area. The police car was apparently responding to an incident at the time. There were no reported injuries; however the vehicle was extensively damaged.”

A police spokesperson said, “Around 10:30am on Monday, March 26th police and first responders attended a reported collision on Middle Road in Southampton near the junction with High Point Road. It appears that two motorcycles were traveling along Middle Road when they collided.

“The rider and pillion passenger of one motorcycle, a 19 year old Sandys parish man and an 18 year old Southampton man respectively, were injured and taken to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital via ambulance for treatment.

“They were later released. The rider of the other motorcycle, a 35 year old Southampton man, was also injured; however his injuries were relatively minor. Both motorcycles were damaged as a result. Inquiries into this incident are underway.”

“It appears that an auxiliary cycle was traveling along South Road and a SUV was traveling along Tribe Road #2 South when the vehicles collided at the junction,” said the police.

“The auxiliary cycle rider, a 46 year old Pembroke man, was injured and taken to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital via ambulance for treatment. At last check the victim was in stable condition in the Intensive Care Unit. There were no other injuries reported.

“Inquiries into this incident are ongoing. Any witnesses to this collision are encouraged to contact PC Lesa Stovell on 295-0011.”

Around one hour later police attended a two vehicle damage only collision at the junction of Court Street and Angle Street in Pembroke, in which a car and auxiliary cycle collided at the junction. The cycle was extensively damaged, the car received moderate damage, and there were no reported injuries.

Evidence read out in Court was that when questioned by attending police who had been called to the accident, Mr Russell had exclaimed to them: “I’ve just crashed my $100,000 car!”

Police noticed also that his breath smelt of alcohol and they took him into custody and into Hamilton Police Station and subsequently charged him.

Accepting his guilty plea, Magistrate Khamisi Tokunbo questioned Mr Russell, asking if he had been driving a ‘Beemer’ and what make and model it was. Mr Russell said it was the canvas-topped Cabriolet model.

Magistrate Tokunbo said: “I feel your pain” and fined him $800 and disqualified him from driving all motor vehicles for twelve months. Mr Russell, a W&E employee, asked for time to pay the $800 fine and was given until 30th April 2012.

After the incident last year, a police statement said the car was travelling along Frog Lane when it collided with two other cars in the area; one parked and one stationary. Five people suffered minor injuries and were treated in hospital, and a 34 year old man was arrested on suspicion of impaired driving, failed an alco-analyser test and was detained.