Family Seeks Help After Vendor Dies in Highway Crash

The family of Maria Caal, a 50-year-old market vendor from Cotton Tree Village, is reaching out for financial assistance to cover funeral expenses estimated at $1,700 USD following her untimely death in a tragic road accident.

Caal, the mother of seven, including one residing in Houston, was well-loved and known for her dedication to her family and work at the Belmopan market.

The fatal accident occurred on Thursday night near Mile 47 on the George Price Highway. Caal was travelling in a Toyota pickup driven by 70-year-old Manuel Juarez, a vegetable vendor, when their vehicle collided with a speeding Chevy Camaro. The impact killed Caal, who was trapped inside the wreckage, and left Juarez hospitalised. The occupants of the Camaro, identified as Jose and Leli Mendez, reportedly fled the scene on foot into nearby bushes.

In an emotional interview, Caal’s son, Samuel Cal, recounted the devastating moment he learnt of his mother’s death.

“I saw a message on Facebook. One of the people posted that they saw an accident happen near Mile 47 on the George Price Highway, saying that the victim was Maria Caal. So I called one of my people that I know closely, and I told them that something happened and my mother had gotten into an accident, and I rushed and tried my best to reach there,” Cal shared.

The family is asking for prayers and any contributions to help with the funeral expenses. Donations can be made via PayPal, Venmo, or by check.

Caal is the second Belmopan market vendor to lose her life in a fatal collision in recent weeks. On December 3, 2024, Miriam Cordon, known as Miss Pretty, also died in a road accident on the George Price Highway.