UPDATE | Mining minister orders probe after Windalco train derailment in Bog Walk Gorge

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining has launched an investigation into the derailment of a train at the entrance of the rail tunnel in the Bog Walk Gorge in St Catherine on Saturday.

Senior Superintendent Hopton Nicholson, head of St Catherine North Police, confirmed no injuries were reported.

The train, which is operated by bauxite company Windalco, left the tracks, derailing three cars and damaging a utility pole.

The incident led to the temporary closure of the gorge, causing significant traffic delays as a team from the Jamaica Public Service worked to restore power.

Mining Minister Floyd Green expressed relief that no lives were lost and emphasised the priority of safety for workers, communities, and infrastructure, noted a statement on Saturday evening.

He directed the Jamaica Bauxite Institute and the Mining Division to conduct a joint probe to determine the causes and recommend safety improvements.

“We are committed to a full and transparent investigation and will implement measures to prevent future incidents,” Green said.

The ministry said it will "monitor the situation closely, support remediation efforts and promptly share findings and recommendations when available".

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