The worst traffic accident of the year so far happened last night on the Southern Highway. Three people are dead and two others are reported to be hospitalized after a massive collision. It happened at around 11 last night between miles one and two on the Southern Highway – which is not far from Dangriga Town. 23 year old Shevon Arzu, a Belizean American Soldier with the US Navy was driving an SUV – when this happened. The vehicle is so thoroughly destroyed; we can’t even say what type it is.
Police say that Arzu – who was southbound - lost control of the SUV which was loaded with five passengers and crashed head on into a Dodge Ram Pickup
driven by 36 year old Carlos Coc – who had one passenger and was travelling in the opposite direction. Three of Arzu’s passengers died on the spot. They are 18 year old Cleopha Francisco, 24 year old Roman Sabal, and 21 year old Godwin Tench.
Two others, both 17 year old female domestics from Dangriga Town received lacerations to their legs. Arzu himself was cut on the forehead and reported pain in his right hand. Coc’s passenger, a 17 year old female from Bella Vista Village reported a pain to her left foot. Coc – who is from Belmopan – had a similar minor injury to his leg.
Police have confirmed that blood samples to determine alcohol levels were taken from both drivers but no results have come out yet. Both Coc and Arzu have been served with notices of intended prosecution – which means, at this time, no charges have been finalized.
