Man Killed, Two Hurt in Sandhill Highway Crash

A fatal road traffic accident along the Philip Goldson Highway on Friday night has left one man dead and two others injured.  Authorities say the incident occurred shortly before ten o’clock at mile 14.5 in Sandhill Village, Belize District. Upon arrival at the scene, officers observed a grey Toyota 4Runner positioned in the middle of the highway with significant damage to the front driver’s side, bonnet, and windshield. A black motorcycle, which was not displaying a license plate, was also found off the roadway with extensive damage.  Police discovered three male individuals at the scene, all believed to be of Hispanic descent. Two of the men, identified as 41-year-old Nelson Garcia Vega, a construction worker of Burrell Boom Village, and Irandy Iair Vasquez, were found conscious but complaining of pain. A third individual, whose identity was later confirmed to be that of Emil Lino, was found motionless with severe head and body injuries.  Initial investigations indicate that Vega, who identified himself as the driver of the 4Runner, was traveling from Sandhill towards Ladyville when he reportedly entered the opposite lane and collided with the oncoming motorcycle, which was carrying two persons.  All injured parties were transported to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital for treatment. However, the unidentified male was pronounced dead at 10:59 p.m. Both the SUV and the motorcycle have since been impounded pending further inspection. Vega has been detained as part of the investigation, and a urine sample has been obtained as authorities continue to determine the full circumstances of the fatal collision.