In the Aftermath, an Outpouring of Support

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.