Kenny Robinson was making a desperate attempt to savehis brother's life. But on his way to the Princess Margaret Hospital, tragedy struck. The Toyota Corolla he was driving collided with another vehicle. His car then hit an embankment and overturned into a ditch.

An emotional Robinson later watched as the bodies of his brother and one of his colleagues were removed from the wreckage. He has now been charged by the police. The incident took place about 200 metres east of the Golden Grove Square, St. Thomas, on Tuesday afternoon.

Death by dangerous driving

"He has been charged with two counts of causing death by dangerous driving," Sergeant Desmond Roach, the Constabulary Communication Network liaison officer for the parish, told The Gleaner yesterday.

The deceased have been identified as Ira Richards, 33, and Ainsley Kelly, 37. Kelly is Robinson's brother. Hospitalised in serious condition is Easton Brown, while Dennis Morgan was treated and released.

"The driver of the vehicle, Robinson, is in custody," said Corporal Osbourne Barnes, who is investigating the accident.

According to Corporal Barnes, the car skidded about 350 feet along the embankment before falling into the ditch. Evidence at the scene suggested one of the men's bodies was dragged along the surface.

"It was an emotional scene," said Corporal Barnes.

Deep-water diving

Reports are that the five men, who are from Manchioneal in Portland, had gone deep-water diving. It is alleged that Kelly ingested excess oxygen from the air tank he was diving with.

Since January, more than 128 persons have perished in motor vehicle accidents.