Two Motorcyclists Killed in Chain-Reaction Crash

Two men are dead following a fatal road traffic accident on the Thomas Vincent Ramos Highway near the Punta Gorda junction on Saturday night.

ASP Stacy Smith confirmed the deaths of 51-year-old Willie Cruz, a Belizean customs officer of Independence Village, and 26-year-old Elmer Cal, a Belizean labourer of Red Bank Village.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the incident began when a Mazda Tribute, driven by Andy August, collided with a motorcycle being driven by Cal. The impact reportedly threw Cal from his motorcycle.

Police say August then stopped his vehicle on the roadway and exited to check on Cal. While the vehicle remained stationary, Cruz, who was travelling on a separate motorcycle, reportedly collided with the open door of the Mazda Tribute.

The collision threw Cruz from his motorcycle, causing severe injuries. Both men succumbed to injuries sustained in the crashes.

Police have since issued a Notice of Intended Prosecution to August as investigations continue.