8 days ago, 6 people were killed and 18 more were seriously injured in a massive collision between a bus and a cargo truck on the Western Highway. On Monday National Transport bus driver Tyrone Gillett told us that he saw the road was wet, and slowed down to below 35 miles an hour. Well tonight we have another account and it is in stark contrast to what Gillett told us. It is from 47-year-old Duncan Smith - who is a farmer from Belmopan. He was critically injured and is still recovering in the KHMH. He today told Keith Swift his story of the warning that he says the bus driver didn't heed.
Duncan Smith, Accident Survivor
"A lady walked into the bus and said to the guy, you're doing good, keep it up. And then I did so, I told him to slow down please."
Slow down, those are the last words Duncan Smith says he said to National Transport Bus driver Tyrone Gillett - in the moments before last Thursday's horrific collision on the western highway. He boarded the bus in Belize City.
Duncan Smith,
"I was sitting on the fifth street from the driver's side because the bus over crowded and that was the only seat that was available. I was sitting right next to a young lady and when the bus moved out, the driver was going fast and I told him to slow down. And on reaching the highway I don't remember what happened. The last thing I could remember is the driver was putting a tape, was putting a CD and from there, when I woke up I was in pain."
When Duncan Smith woke up, his two feet were broken, his lung was crushed, and he was a bit confused.
Duncan Smith,
"I don't know how I got outside but someone picked me up. When I woke up I thought I was in Belmopan. I got up and even walked around. I walked around and asked my sister if I was in Belmopan or Belize City."
Keith Swift,
Are you in pain Mr. Smith?
Duncan Smith,
"Well you see what I am taking, those are all painkillers from Thursday."
Smith is recovering in the private ward at the KHMH. This is the condition of his stomach because of the crushed lung. And his right ankle, which was broken - is being held down by this sandbag. His sister Irma Rivero has been at his bedside since Thursday. She says doctors said he wouldn't make it and it's a miracle he did.
Irma Rivero, Sister
"The doctor told me that he has already died, he said my brother came in here a dead man."
Irma Rivero says that since the accident - no one from National Transport has called or visited her brother. That has her angry.
Irma Rivero,
"I am at this hospital from last week Thursday, the evening of the accident. I haven't seen anybody from the Novelo's Bus Company but I heard on the TV that they were saying they visited all the patients but I can say for my brother I never saw them here and I am here everyday. Today is the eight day and I am here everyday."
Keith Swift,
So they are not helping with the medical expenses?
Irma Rivero,
"No, right now we are paying $600 a night for this room. Nobody from the company has visited me as yet."
Keith Swift,
Have the doctors told you if your brother will make a full recovery?
Irma Rivero,
"Yes he will and its not what the doctor said, its what God is saying. With this accident, the condition my brother was in, it's a healing process from God. God has him here. It is a miracle God is performing and as I stand here Keith, I can tell you we have faith in believing in God."
And as he recovers - Duncan Smith has one last word of advice for the drivers out there.
Duncan Smith,
"I just want to say to all the drivers out there, take your time. You'll get there today or tomorrow, don't rush."
This evening Operations Manager for National Transport Phillip Jones told us he thought all the victims were released from the hospital. Jones says National Transport promised and is helping families with medical expenses. He apologized and told us to urge the Smith family to go and see him. As for the allegations made by Smith about speeding, Jones says that contradicts other eyewitness accounts. But ultimately he said it is now a matter for the police to decide.
We note that Duncan Smith says Cordelia Lamb, the casualty we featured last night, was seated behind him. And in an interesting but sad piece of historical symmetry, Duncan Smith's 15-year-old son - Duncan Jr. was killed in a bus accident in August of last year involving a James Bus.
