Elderly Man Dies in Horrific Road Accident

An elderly man is dead following a gruesome road traffic accident that occurred over the week. This incident unfolded on Sunday night in Roaring Creek and claimed the life of seventy-year-old Daniel Puerto. According to witnesses, Puerto had been intoxicated and was hit while attempting to cross the road, leading to his fatal injuries. News Five’s Britney Gordon has the story.

 

Britney Gordon, Reporting

Tonight, residents of Roaring Creek village remain distressed after a terrifying scene unfolded before their eyes on Sunday night. Seventy-year-old Daniel Puerto, a well-known member of the community was killed while attempting to cross the highway after he was struck by an incoming van. Assistant Superintendent of Police, Stacy Smith, says Puerto’s lifeless was taken to the Western Regional hospital after the scene was processed, where he was declared dead upon arrival.

 

ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer

“What the investigators have so far gathered is that sometime after ten twnety-five p.m., the driver of the minivan was traveling in that vicinity when the minivan collided with Puerto, who is alleged to have been sitting down on the highway at that time. The minivan has since been impounded for processing and a notice of intended prosecution has been served on the driver of that vehicle. Namely Michael McFadzean Puerto now awaits a post-mortem examination.”

 

According to police, the driver, Michael McFadzean showed no indication of being under the influence.  However, residents report that Puerto was often seen drinking on the side of the highway, and that night was no different. Although Puerto had been just a couple minutes away from his house- his friend, Albert Budd, had offered to take Puerto home.

 

Albert Budd, Friend of Deceased

“I talk to ah de, I tell ah wait mek I ker you home. By the time I put my fiid down upstairs, I just hear wa bang. I just come out back and I see da my cousin knock ah down.”

 

According to Puerto’s niece, Arlette Young, Puerto lived a quiet life and was well-loved by his family. However, as he often indulged in public drinking, they feared that this day would come.

 

Voice of: Arlette Young, Niece of Deceased

“I think he was drinking and on his way home he fell on the side of the road and I guess he stayed there because there was nobody to take him home. Because usually if I find him like that, I would pick him up and I would take him home. We are just bury  him because like I said before, it’s not, it’s something that he’s always out there it’s something that we were already looking to hear. Maybe there’s something hit him out there.”

 

Witnesses claim that after Puerto was struck by the vehicle, he was dragged several yards until the vehicle came to a stop in front of the Frogman Warehouse. McFadzean then stopped to render aid and alert authorities. Witnesses say that the scene became all the more gruesome when police arrived on the scene.

 

Albert Budd

“It took almost a whole hour. And then the mobile still run over his head to. The police mobile.”

 

Driver of the minivan, Michael McFadzean is a taxi driver. has been taken into police custody while the investigation continues. As the number of fatal road traffic accidents continues to rise, Belizeans are calling on the government to increase visibility along the highways. Britney Gordon for News Five.