80 customers remain without power as JPS continues restoration after Windalco train derailment
Published:Sunday | August 10, 2025 | 11:16 AM
Approximately 80 Jamaica Public Service (JPS) customers in Kent Village and surrounding communities near Bog Walk Gorge remain without electricity as repair efforts continue following a Windalco train derailment on Saturday, August 9.
More than 4,300 customers in Kingston and St Catherine initially lost power after the derailment damaged multiple utility poles and power lines, the power provider said in a statement on Sunday morning. Crews worked overnight and into Sunday morning to restore supply to most affected areas.
JPS Senior Vice President of Energy Delivery, Blaine Jarrett, said the restoration process is at a critical and challenging stage due to damaged infrastructure located precariously close to the river.
As a result, the Bog Walk Gorge will remain closed to vehicular traffic until about 7 p.m. Sunday to allow heavy equipment access.
“We encourage commuters to use alternate routes and avoid the Gorge for the rest of today,” Jarrett said, noting that even after reopening, several more hours of work are needed before full power restoration is complete.
JPS says it ss coordinating closely with the Jamaica Constabulary Force and the National Works Agency to facilitate repairs and ensure public safety.
The train, operated by bauxite company Windalco, derailed three cars at the entrance of the rail tunnel in the Bog Walk Gorge, causing the damage. No injuries were reported.
Mining Minister Floyd Green expressed relief that no lives were lost and has directed the Jamaica Bauxite Institute and Mining Division to conduct a full investigation and recommend safety improvements.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining said it will monitor the situation and support remediation efforts, sharing updates as they become available.
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