Doctors Trying To Save Left Arm of Hassina Mathura After PTSC Bus Rolled Over It In Palmyra
Doctors are trying to save the left arm of 69-year-old Hassina Mathura, who was seriously injured when a Public Transport Service Corporation (PTSC) bus rolled over it after she fell while exiting the vehicle in Palmyra on Thursday afternoon (15th January, 2026). Mathura was returning home from San Fernando, when the accident occurred — just about 100 feet away from her home. She remains in a stable condition at the San Fernando General Hospital after undergoing emergency reconstructive surgery.
According to reports, the PTSC bus driver, who was plying the Ste. Madeleine route, was heading East along the Naparima Mayaro Road, near AJ's Auto in Palmyra, around 1:00 PM, when he began slowing down to stop as a passenger attempted to exit the vehicle.
Mathura, of Palmyra Village, reportedly lost her balance while disembarking, fell to the ground, and the front wheel of the bus then rolled onto her left arm as the vehicle moved forward.
The driver, of New Grant, however, told Police he attempted to prevent her fall but was unable to do so.
In a Media Release following the incident on Thursday (15th January, 2026), the PTSC said it is “aware of an unfortunate incident involving one of its buses and a passenger on the San Fernando/Guayaguayare service, in the vicinity of Palmyra. An internal review has been initiated in accordance with established Standard Operating Procedures, and the Corporation acknowledges that footage relating to the incident is currently in circulation. The matter is also being investigated by the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS), with whom the Corporation is cooperating fully.”
The PTSC added, “The passenger was transported to the San Fernando General Hospital and is presently receiving medical attention. At this time, the primary concern remains the health and well-being of all those involved. In keeping with due process and out of respect for the ongoing investigative process, no further details can be provided at this time. The Corporation remains committed to upholding the highest standards of safety, accountability, and public trust.”
In a follow-up Media Release on Friday (16th January, 2026), the PTSC said it “wishes to clarify that, contrary to reports circulating in some media outlets, the passenger's arm was not severed as a result of the incident. The passenger is currently in stable condition, and her injuries are being managed by medical professionals. Representatives of the Corporation have visited the San Fernando General Hospital and remain in constant communication with the passenger's family.”
The PTSC added, “The Corporation's primary concern continues to be the health and well-being of the affected passenger, and it will continue to provide support as appropriate.”
Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, Eli Zakour, has since assured that disciplinary action will be taken if the PTSC's internal investigation concludes the bus driver breached company policy.
The incident was raised in Parliament on Friday through an urgent question to Zakour, where he was asked what measures are in place to safeguard the traveling public. In response, he said the PTSC continues to implement its driver recertification programme, which he explained is designed to reinforce safe driving practices.
The PTSC is expected to complete its internal probe soon.
Investigations are continuing into the incident.
More on this as it becomes available.
[Source: T&T Guardian]


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