The youngster who stole his father's Isuzu pickup truck and went on a fatal joyride in Portmore, St Catherine, late last month, killing three of his friends, is to answer to the offence in court today.

Speaking with THE STAR yesterday, Inspector Michael Llewellyn of the St Catherine South Traffic Department said the 15-year-old driver of the ill-fated vehicle was slapped with charges of causing death by dangerous driving, driving without a licence, driving without insurance coverage and driving a motor vehicle without the owner's consent.

The officer said that the matter appeared before a Resident Magistrate's Court last week where the teen was granted $300,000 bail and the matter transferred to the Children's Court.

Reports are that about 11:45 p.m. on the day of the accident, the teen stole his father's beige Isuzu truck from their Greater Portmore home and went for a spin with five friends on board.

The vehicle later crashed into a utility pole on Port Henderson Road, St Catherine. Three of the five passengers were killed. They were identified as Matthew Brown, 10; Crystal Robinson, 15; and Oshane Salmon, 14.

The young driver received injuries and was treated and released.

Inspector Llewellyn said they have since located one of two youngsters who had left the scene after the accident. That youngster has been receiving medical treatment for injuries sustained. The other child has not yet been located.