Old Harbour Taxi driver denies responsibility for accident

Pitterson, who sustained three broken ribs in the March 20 crash, insisted that the driver of a Nissan AD Wagon was at fault for misjudging an overtaking maneuver. 

"How can I be the one overtaking and hit the right side of the front of the vehicle, then turn back toward Old Harbour, while his car ended up climbing the banking?" Pitterson questioned as she recounted the incident. 

The well-known taxi operator explained that she was traveling eastbound near the Ahmadiyya mosque when she noticed the Nissan AD Wagon, heading in the opposite direction, attempting to overtake another vehicle. She claimed she took evasive action but was unable to avoid the collision due to the oncoming car’s high speed and limited road space. 

"I did everything to prevent him from hitting my vehicle," Pitterson said. A lone female passenger in her Toyota Probox, suffered head injuries and lost consciousness, she said. 

While the driver of the Nissan AD Wagon emerged unharmed, other passengers in the vehicle — believed to be relatives — also sustained injuries, though none were deemed life-threatening. 

The police informed Old Harbour News that neither driver has yet provided formal statements, delaying the completion of the investigation. But Pitterson, who has been discharged from hospital, said she will be lodging a formal statement at the Old Harbour Police Station today and intends to retain counsel to clear her name of any liability. 

The crash caused severe traffic congestion on both sides of the roadway for several hours, exacerbated by the lack of proper alternate routes in the area.