Ministry Extends Condolences After Fatal Orange Walk Fire

The Ministry of the Public Service, Governance, and Disaster Risk Management has issued a statement expressing “its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Ms. Angelita Magaña and her young son, Tishan Godoy,” who perished in a tragic house fire this morning in the Orange Walk District.

“The Ministry joins the Magaña family and the community in mourning this profound loss and sends thoughts and prayers during this difficult time,” the release stated.

The Ministry also offered “sincere wishes for the full and speedy recovery” of the two survivors, Mr. Miguel Novelo and Miss Shadia Magaña, who remain hospitalized.

In its statement, the Ministry commended law enforcement “for their swift action in detaining the accused arsonist” and praised the National Fire Service and other first responders for their “tireless efforts” at the scene. It reaffirmed its commitment to “strengthen fire prevention, preparedness, and community safety across Belize.”

According to reports, a suspected act of domestic violence in San Felipe Village left Angelita, 35, and Tishan, 6, dead after their home was set on fire early this morning. Police say Francisco Godoy, Angelita’s ex-common-law husband, allegedly started the blaze and is now under guard at the hospital with burn injuries. Angelita’s partner, Miguel Novelo, and her daughter survived but were badly burned. St. Michael RC School, where Angelita worked and Tishan studied, expressed heartbreak over their deaths.