Woman Killed in Two-Vehicle Collision Along Leeward Highway

A woman has died following a serious two-vehicle collision that occurred around 10:26 p.m. on May 5 at the junction of Long Bay Highway and East Leeward Highway.

Emergency responders from the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RT&CIPF) and medical personnel arrived on the scene to find two heavily damaged vehicles with deployed airbags, both facing south. Six people were transported to Cheshire Hall Medical Centre (CHMC) for treatment.

One of the victims, 40-year-old Desir Gracieuse, became unresponsive while en route to the hospital. Despite emergency medical personnel performing CPR and all life-saving efforts, she was later pronounced dead.

Initial investigations suggest that Gracieuse was traveling westbound when her vehicle collided with a second vehicle entering Long Bay Road. The male driver of the second vehicle is currently hospitalized and assisting police with the investigation.

Four female passengers who were traveling with Gracieuse received medical attention and have since been discharged.

The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Ms. Gracieuse. The Traffic Enforcement Unit is actively investigating the cause of the crash.

Authorities are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or possesses video footage to contact 911, the Traffic Enforcement Unit at 232-9645, the nearest police station, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477. Reports can also be submitted anonymously through the Crime Stoppers P3 app.