By Jem Smith
A road traffic accident that took place on the Hummingbird Highway on Friday, June 25, claimed the life of a 38-year-old man. Marlon Jose Moran Avila was traveling toward Dangriga, Stann Creek from Belmopan when the accident took place. Police say that Avila was driving at a high speed when he lost control of his silver coloured Isuzu D-Max pickup truck. This caused him to crash into an orange orchard just after crossing the bridge and passing a curve near mile 21 on the Hummingbird. The vehicle flipped several times before he crashed into the orchard where he was pinned inside the vehicle. He died inside the crushed vehicle and his lifeless body had to be removed from the wreckage by the Jaws of Life. It was reported that on the scene were a number of broken beer bottles, some still unopened.
ASP Fitzroy Yearwood, Communications Director with the Belize Police Department (BPD) says that there has been an increase in these sorts of accidents in that area. This is attributed to road works done in the area, something he feels drivers are taking advantage of and speeding along the roads. As such, an appeal has been made to commuters to be more cautious and considerate when traveling along public roads.
