Christopher Young lost his life in a tragic accident last night. The 24 year old Orange Walk Resident had almost completed a civil engineer’s course at University in Cuba. He had been studying there for 5 years – 5 tough, sacrifice-filled years that would have come to an end next year when he was scheduled to graduate. Devastated friends of the family tell us that his mother had only just returned from Chetumal where she had proudly purchased his formal wear for next year’s graduation; now those clothes will be used to bury him in. How could such a promising life vaporize in an instant? Jacqueline Godwin visited Orange Walk today to find out more.
Jacqueline Godwin Reporting,
This is all that remains of the Geo Tracker driven by Orange Walk resident Christopher Young. Young was rushed to the Northern Regional Hospital but died due to severe head and body injuries. Initial investigations by Orange Walk Police reveal that around seven fifteen on Wednesday night Christopher Young was travelling along with his brother Darrel Galloway was northbound towards Orange Walk Town.
Between miles forty and forty one he lost control of his vehicle. The Geo Tracker flipped several times and collided into a Venus premier bus driven by Reynaldo Gilharry that was travelling in the opposite direction.
Insp. Selvin Tillett, OIC - Orange Walk Formation
“The bus was travelling from Orange Walk to Belize direction and the Geo Tracker was in the opposite direction. Apparently he lost control, the Tracker hit the side of the bus and overturned.”
Jacqueline Godwin,
“So as the Geo Tracker lost control, it went into the path of the bus?”
Insp. Selvin Tillett,
“He left the side of the bus and he flipped.”
While Christopher Young succumbed to his injuries his brother is reportedly in a critical condition at the Northern Regional Hospital. The impact was so great that a part of the Geo Tracker was left embedded in the bus.
Because the accident occurred on a stretch between miles 40 and 41 on the Northern Highway, Orange Walk Police have still not been able to determine how young Christopher Young lost control of his vehicle but they have not ruled out the possibility that speeding may be involved.
Jacqueline Godwin,
“I know the investigation is very preliminary at this stage but do we know what could have possibly caused Christopher Young to lose control of the Geo Tracker?”
Insp. Selvin Tillett,
“At this moment we have no exact knowledge of it. As I said the investigation is on, continues.”
Jacqueline Godwin,
“Do you believe both drivers were driving in excess of 55 miles per hour?”
Insp. Selvin Tillett,
“At this moment I cannot say if both were driving hard. Hopefully the investigation reveals that.”
According to Inspector Tillett the investigation is ongoing and at this time it not known if any charges will be levied against the bus driver.
Insp. Selvin Tillett,
“At this moment we have visited the area, police have recorded certain statements. As you know this file will be to the DPP for further directives.”
Inspector Tillett offered this advice to all motorists.
Insp. Selvin Tillett,
“Whether it is on a straight or on a curve or once you are on the highway, drive within 55 miles and be safe. Most of these things can be avoided if you drive at a very reasonable speed. Whenever you are above 55, it is very hard to control so be careful and drive carefully.”
Jacqueline Godwin Reporting for 7News.
Christopher Young had just returned from Cuba 8 days ago. The date for his funeral has not been finalized – but it will be held next week. We want to thank our friends at C-TV-3 in Orange Walk for providing us with images of the accident scene last night.
