Category: Auto Accidents

We start tonight’s newscast with a heartfelt plea to drivers to be extra cautious on the roads and a call for authorities to take decisive action. The families and friends of the ten people who tragically died in Saturday night’s traffic accident are urging for measures to slow down traffic on that dangerous stretch of road. This section, known for its sharp curves, has seen multiple accidents with mass casualties. On Monday, a second candlelight vigil was held in their memory. San Ignacio and Santa Elena Mayor, Earl Trapp, emphasized that this area is notorious for fatal accidents.

Via Phone: Earl Trapp, Mayor, San Ignacio/Santa Elena

“We had an accident here in 2019 and we had six lives, six lives passed – four Belizeans and two foreigners. It’s an area that probably needs some attention and I think that maybe in the near future, the relevant authorities can look at maybe putting scrubbing board like what I had suggested on Sunday. We’re talking about the reckless driving and driving under the influence of alcohol and the government has to take more stringent measures to address this situation. The way they can address this situation is by maybe amending  the laws in upgrading the penalties.”

Joining Trapp at the candlelight vigil were Area Representatives Orlando Habet and Michel Chebat. Today, Habet mentioned that several suggestions have been raised, including driver education, driving schools, and tougher fines for traffic offenses. He assured that the government is considering these suggestions.

Via Phone: Orlando Habet, Area Representative, Cayo Northeast

“Certainly from the public’s concerns, but also some suggestions in regards to making certain that the signs are visible, that there are sufficient signs indicating curbs that are coming up if there’s a merge to an area where you have to merge from two lanes into one lane, that this is clearly painted on the road and on signs to have the speed limits revisited because in town, you don’t want the big speed limits. They also had concerns about the motorists not respecting the motorbikes and also motorcyclists really taking over the road, overtaking left, right, center; the noise pollution from motorcycles. They also addressed the issue of the lighting of certain areas of the road that are really dark and maybe just outside of the town itself, certainly the issue of speed bumps where it is necessary. And those roads, trucks, which would alert you, if you are running off the road to sort of guide you back and bring you back onto the road. But basically, also looking at the issue of road traffic education, driving education. They even proposed driving schools where private sector would be able to have professionals to teach young people to drive and not letting them off with one or two months of learner’s permit and then getting a license. There were concerns that many times the fines that are imposed for violations are not high enough to deter the person who commits this offense and then it becomes a repeat offense because maybe 25 for example for a traffic offense is not sizable enough to stop them from repeating the same thing over and over. And so it was it was really open people were concerned. Of course, some blame the government and that was okay because I think that was the whole purpose for them to let out what they felt inside but I think the communication was lively it was good you and it was back and forth. So I think we took notes and today, myself and Mr Chebat and Minister Balona reported what was spelt out last night at the vigil to the Cabinet and the Prime Minister has taken note and he will also address those.”

In response to the recent accidents, the Ministry of Transport is stepping up its road safety game. Partnering with the police and local traffic authorities, they’ll be increasing patrols and setting up more vehicle checkpoints, especially at night, to crack down on traffic violations. They’ll also be hosting media sessions to share tips and best practices to discourage unsafe driving. Anyone caught breaking traffic laws will face serious consequences. Earlier today, we spoke with Chief Transport Officer Leon Gentle.

Leon Gentle, Chief Transport Officer

“This year has seen an alarming number of incidents and I believe between last year and this year, last year we ended with eighty-nine fatal accidents and this year we are all the way up to one [hundred] ten.  So there’s a twenty-two percent increase in road collisions that resulted in fatalities.  So this is something that is urgent.  This is something that as a community, as a department, as the government, as the basic road user, we all need to come together and have a holistic view of protecting each other.”

Peter Williams, Deputy Chief Transport Officer

“Traffic data has shown that young people, in particular, young men at that age, they are more risk averse.  They are more prone to taking risks and so that is something that we’re fully aware of and it continues to be a challenge in terms of how we address this issue.  We continue to look at how we can improve the process of issuing a Belize driver’s license and that’s something that we continue to look at.  Even when it comes to certain mental health issues, that’s something that for many years we have not considered when issuing a driver’s license.  Primarily, you get a physical examination and that is all you need.  We have a lot of people within this country who are suffering their own mental issues and so they need some further analysis before we can issue the driving license because that is a main component, how we put people on the roads. For us, we’re not afraid to fail.  When you fail, you’re able to learn from your mistakes and you try to develop new strategies and that is what we’re trying to do at the department.  And so, already we have been meeting to develop our new strategy for the new year coming and so you’ll be seeing a spin on how we deliver this road safety message because it’s not getting through to the Belizean people anymore.  At one point, some years ago, we use to focus on the data.  That was effective at one point.  We would put out the data and the public would say, mein, so many persons are dying from road [traffic accidents] and then we would see a reduction.  But due to other factors, we are realizing that that is no longer effective.”

We start tonight’s news with the heartbreaking details of a tragic road accident in San Ignacio, marking the worst in recent history. A three-vehicle pile-up claimed ten lives and left four others injured, two of them critically. The accident occurred between miles seventy-one and seventy-two on the San Ignacio/Benque Viejo road, just a few hundred yards past Kontiki Service Station, heading from San Ignacio towards Benque. A Ford Expedition SUV with four occupants was traveling from San Ignacio towards Benque, while a Toyota Corolla with nine occupants was heading in the opposite direction. The two vehicles collided head-on, causing the Corolla to burst into flames. Tragically, all nine occupants, including a four-year-old girl, perished. A motorcyclist traveling behind the SUV also crashed into the back of the vehicle and died on impact. The four occupants of the SUV were the only survivors, though they sustained injuries. Six of the deceased were friends and employees of Ready Call Center in San Ignacio. In the aftermath of this tragedy, the call center held a candlelight vigil on Sunday night, joined by the families of all ten victims. News Five’s Marion Ali brings us the story.

Marion Ali, Reporting

The cause of the Toyota Corolla bursting into flames upon impact, tragically killing all nine of its occupants on Saturday night, remains a mystery. The horrific accident happened around ten PM between miles seventy-one and seventy-two on the San Ignacio/Benque Road, involving a head-on collision with a Ford Expedition SUV. The Corolla’s occupants were returning from a shopping trip to Melchor de Mencos, Guatemala. Shamela Pinelo was watching a live report of the accident when she discovered the heartbreaking news that she had lost both a niece and a cousin. When she called her niece’s phone, it was the police who answered.

Shamela Pinelo, Aunt of Keilin Pinelo

“From the moment they said come to the scene, I already saw on the live body bars.  Because it was at the hospital, the police would have said, go to the hospital. So I knew what I was coming to see.  When I got here, it was just sad. On the scene you will see curtains and different old stuff on the scene, where they went to do Christmas shopping.”

Pinelo mentioned that another victim had even joked with her about forgetting to bring her passport.

Shamela Pinelo

“The saddest thing for me, with the little one that name Ashley, I was in town, and she passed, and she watched me, and I hailed her, and I waved, and she said, who goes to Melchor and forget their passport? And then I laughed, and then she went back. Her brother brought it for her. That’s why he doesn’t know how he can hold up.”

Jasmin Rodriguez and her four-year-old daughter, Jazelle, were in the Corolla. Jasmin had gone shopping for Christmas gifts and party supplies for her son’s upcoming seventh birthday this Sunday. Jasmin’s mother, Delfina Rodriguez, shared that the family won’t be celebrating Christmas this year after receiving the devastating news from her son.

Delfina Rodriguez, Mother of Jasmin Rodriguez

“She was going to Melchor to buy her children Christmas clothes and a piñata for her son. Its going to be his birthday on Saturday. My son is a policeman. He called his dad and tell him that Jasmin had an accident and Jazza.”

Marion Ali

“Your granddaughter?”

Delfina Rodriguez

“Yes, my granddaughter, and they died. Jazza perished and Jasmin was thrown outside the car. They found her outside, and while going to the hospital, she reached the hospital, she died in the hospital. There will be no Christmas for us. It won’t be the same without.”

The driver of the Toyota Corolla was Roduel Parham, who wasn’t employed by the call center. He left home Saturday morning with his sister-in-law, telling his family he was going to check on a vehicle part. However, his sister-in-law, Aimie Hernandez, worked at the call center, so they might have planned the shopping trip together. Their relative, Christelle Manzanero, spoke with News Five.

Christelle Manzanero, Aunt of Roduel Parham

“He leave from here in the morning to go and check a vehicle part on Melchor side and coming back on his way, ih pa tell ah he mi wa cross it for ah since he work deh but ih pa mi di tell ah mek ih come home because my sister mi di worry bout ah soh on his way coming back we get the sad news or the sad call that my nephew was in the vehicle. Ih geh burn up and he’s dead along with the rest who passed away. That’s no kinda taximan that’s no kind of taxi man. I don’t know weh people get this information that it was a taxi. It was not a taxi. It was a private Corolla. He was a driver. It was not a taxi.”

Mitzi Iglegias lost her younger brother, Jaheim Iglesias, in the mishap.

Mitzi Iglesias, Sister of Jaheim Iglesias

“My brother doesn’t hang around with his coworkers. He usually hangs with other friends, so when he said he was going to go shopping, this was new for me because he always says this: “I’m at work to make money, not to make friends,” but it look like he did make friends this time and he was excited to go shopping, you know, for the Christmas.”

Marion Ali for News Five.

In the wake of the tragedy, Prime Minister John Briceño and Santa Elena/San Ignacio Town Mayor, Earl Trapp, have urged drivers to exercise caution and extended their condolences to the families affected. On Sunday night, Ready Call Centre held a heartfelt candlelight vigil in memory of the six employees who lost their lives. Here’s Marion Ali with the report.

Marion Ali, Reporting

The ten persons who died in the accident are: Genesis Roduel Parham, Shailar Lopez, Jasmin Rodriguez, Jazelie Rodriguez, Keilin Pinelo, Dennis Williams, Abigail Bradley, Jaheim Iglesias, Amy Hernandez and Alesandro Carrillo. Carrillo was riding his motorcycle behind the SUV and collided with it when it crashed into the Corolla. Today, A.C.P. Hilberto Romero shared with reporters what the police have learned so far.

A.C.P. Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Eastern Division

“On Saturday, the 7th day of December 2024, around 10:15 p.m., police responded to a road traffic accident in San Ignacio. Upon arrival, they saw a Toyota car, a Ford SUV, and a motorcycle, extensively damaged. The Ford car was seen engulfed in flames, and the information was that several persons were trapped inside the car. Fire personnel were called to the area, assisted with the scene. When the flames were under control, the bodies of eight persons were taken out of the car. The Ford SUV was being driven by Frank Burns, accompanied by his wife, Janelle Burns and their two children. Frank Burns and Janelle Burns were treated at the K.H.M.H. and remain in a stable condition, and the two children were treated and released.”

Britney Gordon

“Was there any alcohol involved?”

A.C.P Hilberto Romero

“Tests will be done and it will be determined when the results are obtained.”

Reporter

“Did the car run a checkpoint?”

A.C.P Hilberto Romero

“Yes, we got information that there was a checkpoint before the accident occurred. In an area, the car ran through the checkpoint and failed to stop.”

In a heartfelt Facebook message on Saturday, Prime Minister John Briceño expressed his sympathy to the families of the deceased. He also reflected on the recent spate of traffic accidents that have tragically claimed several lives. He said, quote, “Our hearts go out to the families impacted by all these traffic incidents. We’re sorry, so very sorry for their loss. To all our citizens, I urge you to utilize our roadways with sound judgment and care. Adhere to the traffic laws, speed limits, and carrying capacities of our motor vehicles. Let’s drive with care for our lives and those of our fellow citizens utilizing our roadways and municipal streets and pathways. We are each other’s keepers in every sphere of life and interactions,” end quote. Mayor Earl Trapp of San Ignacio/Santa Elena expressed his frustration over the lax enforcement of traffic laws. He called for stricter vigilance by the authorities, even if it means some motorists might get upset.

Earl Trapp, Mayor, San Ignacio/Santa Elena

“It’s never too late. It’s late in that lives have been lost, but we can take this responsibility.  Reactionary moment to begin to implement something proactive, you know, and I believe that it’s no time for us  as the local authorities  as well as the government  to enforce the laws because the laws are there. And I have seen things happen in this municipality where motorists and drivers have caused some kind of infringement and then they come in trying to annul tickets, but I think it’s high time that we, as leaders, begin to take these things very seriously and implement the laws. Because by implementing the laws, one or two people will get mad at you, but you know what, in the end we end up saving lives.”

On Sunday night, Ready Call Center, along with the families and friends of the deceased, gathered for a heartfelt candlelight vigil. Delfina Rodriguez, the mother of Jasmin and grandmother of Jazelle Rodriguez, is also seeking financial assistance from the public as she prepares to lay them to rest. If you would like to help, you can make a deposit to Belize Bank account number 256 936 01 01 60000, under the name Maritza Noelli Rodriguez. Marion Ali for News Five.

Over the weekend, Belizeans were shaken by the news of the country’s deadliest road accident in recent years. A tragic collision in San Ignacio claimed the lives of ten people, including a four-year-old child. This heartbreaking incident comes on the heels of several other road fatalities, such as the death of Miriam “Ms. Pretty” Cordon, who lost her life after a van collided into an SUV she was traveling in accident last week. These are just a few of the many tragic losses Belizeans have faced this year. The Belize Transport Department is striving to address these issues, but as Chief Transport Officer Leon Gentle points out, they are grappling with limited resources.

Leon Gentle, Chief Transport Officer

“There are several things that we’re hoping that we can employ. We have been in dialogue with the police department as well as the municipal authorities for us to increase our presence, especially during the night time that has been the challenge for us from the Department of Transport as it relates to doing our night patrols. And we’ve done this. This challenge has always been primarily because  the issue. Is the security of our offices that we want to ensure their safety as well. So we always collaborated with the department of the police department to ensure that our officers along with their officers are doing our night patrols and doing our night patrols and vehicle checkpoints. And so while this may seem like a response, it has always been it has always been the fact that we have been collaborating with the police department. While our operations may not go twenty-four or through the night, we do have checkpoints in the hotspots primarily on the western corridor and the northern corridor up until  Sometimes all the way up until ten o’clock at night, so there is that level of we have been having those level of response as it relates to nightly checkpoints, but it’s something that we need to revisit to see if we can increase our awareness and presence on the highways.”

Britney Gordon

“What would you say is the main challenge that the department is facing right now in order to counteract these accidents? As police told us earlier, in the case of the St. Ignacio RTA, the driver ran the checkpoint. So how do you manage that?”

Leon Gentle

“So it’s a matter of resources. We’ve been working on to see how we can look at the resources that we have doing self-assessment to look at areas that we can improve on one area that we have identified is human resources. We need to increase the officers that we have in our enforcement unit, as well as we need to increase the number of vehicles that we have to effectively patrol the highways, both during the day and at night.”