Iowa Tourists in Critical Condition After Fatal Head-On Collision in Belize

Two Iowa women, Baylee O’Brien and Kelsey O’Connor, are in critical condition following a fatal head-on collision in Belize, with both now facing intensive medical care. The accident occurred on September 11 on the George Price Highway, between miles 36 and 37, resulting in severe injuries for both women and the death of 28-year-old Estevan Chiac. 

The crash involved a head-on collision between a white Chrysler van and a Ford Escape driven by Dennis Kevin Perez and Jaime Alberto Correa, respectively. The impact forced 27-year-old tour guide Perez’s van off the road, causing injuries to his occupants, O’Brien and O’Connor. 

 

 

Following the accident, O’Brien and O’Connor were treated in Belize City for emergency surgeries. 

Family friends have reported that O’Brien sustained a perforation of the small intestine. Meanwhile, O’Connor suffered liver contusions, pancreatic lacerations, and fractures to her L1 and L2 vertebrae as well as her coccyx.

O’Brien was airlifted to a Florida hospital on Sunday, where further examination revealed a partially collapsed lung and multiple broken ribs.

O’Connor is to be transported to a specialised medical facility in Texas. Both women are in stable condition but continue to receive care in the intensive care unit.