This evening a teenager was knocked off his bicycle by a pickup truck between miles two and three on the Northern Highway. When 7NEWS arrived on the scene around five thirty this evening his bike was still under the vehicle, his slippers were still on the road and police were interviewing the driver, an employee of Belize Water Services. At the scene Jacqueline Godwin spoke to the acting Police Press Officer ASP Bart Jones. According to Jones, when Kareem Thompson saw the young boy on the bike he started to apply brakes from about fifty yards away. But he still hit him and the pickup truck ended up on the other side of the highway.
ASP Bart Jones,
“So far Miss Jackie the accident is still under investigation however what we can say is that sometime after four, minutes to five this evening a BWSL pickup driven by 27 year old Kareem Thompson was travelling from the direction of Ladyville towards Belize City when he saw a cyclist on the road, about to cross the road with the bicycle, riding across the road. He tried to avoid colliding into that person and he still hit the bicycle and the cyclist fell on the ground. He was rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital where he is undergoing treatment at this time. From what we understand he has head and body injuries which seem not to be life threatening at this time.”
Jacqueline Godwin,
What advice does the police have for both motorists and cyclists and even pedestrians at this time?
ASP Bart Jones,
“Well certainly Jackie travelling on the highway, especially at the rush hour minutes to five, to exercise extreme caution on the highways, particularly at the major intersections between Belize City and Ladyville, i.e. the Belama, Bella Vista exits and as well the approach to the bridge as well and even in Ladyville as well, the entrances to Vista del Mar and so on – to exercise extreme cautions because there might be vehicles coming out of those locations and as well vehicles coming on to the highway to exercise caution as well when entering the highway. Pedestrians and cyclists are warned to be extra careful particularly when crossing the highway and as well especially during the peak hours to look both ways before crossing and to ensure that when it comes to the evening times to use bright colored clothing as well when riding on the highways.”
At this time no decision has been made as to whether any charges will be levied against the driver twenty seven year old Kareem Thompson as the police continue to investigate. 7NEWS understands the minor has been hospitalized and is reportedly in a serious condition suffering from head and body injuries.
