Gas Station Attendant Charged After Westmoreland Woman Suffers Burns to 50 Percent of Her Body
WESTMORELAND, Jamaica —
A 30-year-old gas station attendant has been formally charged in connection with a shocking attack that left a Westmoreland woman with severe burns covering half of her body.
Collate Swaby, who was employed at the gas station in Whithorn, Westmoreland, has been charged with assault occasioning grievous bodily harm following the incident involving 42-year-old Dacia Forrester.
What Happened
According to reports, the two women — both from Whithorn — became involved in an argument after Forrester visited the gas station on Thursday afternoon. The situation escalated, and Forrester was asked to leave the premises by the station manager.
Forrester allegedly returned later with her sister, and the confrontation intensified. Swaby reportedly threatened to set Forrester on fire before carrying out the act. During the struggle that followed, Swaby used a lighter to ignite Forrester, leaving her with burns to approximately 50 percent of her body. Swaby also sustained injuries to her eye and face during the incident.
Police confirmed Monday that three women are now facing charges in connection with the incident.
A Race Against Time
Forrester remains in critical condition and urgently needs specialized burn treatment that is not available in Jamaica. The Burn Foundation of Jamaica has launched an emergency campaign to raise US$55,000 to cover the cost of flying her to the United States for care.
However, the foundation says fundraising efforts have been significantly hampered by videos and comments circulating on social media that portray Forrester as the aggressor in the altercation. The foundation has strongly condemned this misinformation, warning that it is putting a life at risk.
How to Help
Those wishing to support Dacia Forrester’s medical care can contact the Burn Foundation of Jamaica at 876-344-7028 or visit crisissupportcharity.org to make a donation.
This is a developing story. Additional charges may follow as the investigation continues.
