‘We drive in fear’: Residents say Eleuthera’s roads are a danger after deadly crash

Residents and frequent visitors to Eleuthera have warned that large stretches of the island’s main roads are dangerous to drive. Wednesday’s fatal crash in Palmetto Point has renewed urgent calls for road repairs, as many say deteriorating conditions are putting lives at risk.

Two men, aged 21 and 28, were killed in a traffic collision yesterday morning on Queen’s Highway in Palmetto Point. The crash occurred shortly before 7am and involved two vehicles travelling in opposite directions.

The victims, Sanvano Francis and Zearan Forbes, were in the Nissan Bluebird and had to be extricated from the wreckage using the Jaws of Life. They died on the scene.

But as police continue their investigation, residents and road users are pointing to what they say is a long-standing problem on that stretch of highway: potholes, uneven surfaces, poor markings, and limited lighting.

One man said he was nearly killed in the same area last week by “someone ducking a pothole.”

“You have to do a zig-zag to get around the holes in that spot,” said Yuwonka Lafrance.

Craig Gibson said he has repeatedly reported the road conditions. “Them potholes bad, bad right there. And I keep reporting them.”

Watch here, Philippa Kelly, FNM Candidate for South and Central Eleuthera, show the poor condition of the roads where the young men were killed in the collision.

Another resident said the lack of response has been discouraging. “When I complained, I was told they were patching them. That was from last October. Almost October again. It’s sad that something serious and tragic has to happen before anything is taken seriously.”

Others described the road as a constant hazard.

“Trying to avoid potholes can be a challenge,” said Ian Fox.

“They need to fix the road. It’s bad,” said Travis.

Sonia Smith Dean said temporary repairs are not enough. “They need to fix the road properly, not patching. People are losing their lives, damaging their cars, especially rentals. We need new roads.”

Visitors to the island echoed similar concerns.

“At night, with no lines and potholes, the roads are terrible to see on,” said Chris Wharton.

Kim Aranha said driving in Eleuthera often feels unsafe. “No centre lines, no lights, no cat’s eyes, blind corners, blind hills. People drive fast, then add potholes into the mix.”

Some said simple infrastructure upgrades could reduce risk.

“If roads were built with shoulders and painted lines, it would help immensely,” said visitor Jen Iverson. “Speed may be a factor, but better road design gives drivers more room and clearer guidance.”

While authorities have not yet determined the cause of the crash, the public response has placed renewed attention on road safety across the island.

“What does the MP think about the state of the roads?” asked Virginia Ballance.

The Member of Parliament for Central and South Eleuthera is Clay Sweeting, who also serves as Minister of Works and Family Island Affairs — the ministry responsible for maintaining roads in the Family Islands.

For many residents, that dual role sharpens the call for action.

As families mourn two men who lost their lives on Queen’s Highway, those who live and drive in Eleuthera say the tragedy reflects a deeper issue: roads they believe have been allowed to deteriorate for too long.

“We drive in fear,” one resident said. “And we shouldn’t have to wait for more lives to be lost before something changes.”

Featured Images: Shenique Miller FB (showing the accident after the two young men died on Wednesday)