Mayor Trapp Mourns Crash Victims, Calls for Stricter Traffic Laws

Mayor Earl Trapp, on behalf of the San Ignacio and Santa Elena Town Council, has extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the ten people who tragically lost their lives in a devastating road traffic accident on the George Price Highway.

Describing the incident as “the worst I have ever seen here in Belize,” Mayor Trapp expressed the profound grief felt by the community. “This municipality mourns the death of these 10 people. We are very much hurt and very much sorry that this happened,” he said.

The tragedy, which claimed the lives of nine passengers in a Toyota Corolla and one motorcyclist, has left a lasting impact on the twin towns of San Ignacio and Santa Elena.

Mayor Trapp says there is the urgent need for stronger enforcement of traffic laws. He called on local authorities and the government to take a more proactive stance on road safety. The mayor argued that while enforcing the law may upset some individuals, the ultimate goal is to save lives. “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.”

Trapp says there is the need for more effective and consistent checkpoints, particularly those equipped with breathalysers.

The crash involved a Toyota Corolla, a Ford Expedition, and a motorcycle. The Toyota Corolla, carrying nine passengers, collided with the motorcycle, causing a fiery explosion that killed everyone in the car and the motorcyclist. The victims have been identified as Ruduel Parham (driver), Shailer Lopez, Abigail Bradley, Keilin Pinelo, Jaheim Inglesias, Aimie Hernandez, Dennis Williams, Jasmine Rodriguez, and Jazelle Rodriguez. Two passengers in the SUV were critically injured, while the other two sustained minor injuries.