Elderly Woman Killed in Traffic Mishap in Belize City

Maria Knowles

A well-known Belize City educator was knocked down and killed by a teenager. On Wednesday afternoon, around one-thirty, seventy year old Maria Knowles was walking near her home at the intersection of Baghdad and Water Lane when a vehicle driven at the time by a nineteen year old was speeding down the street knocked her down. The driver, allegedly under the influence of alcohol, hit a vehicle on the right side of the street and then he later swung the vehicle to the other side of the lane, breaking two water pipes, a fence and then hitting Knowles. Boyd Lopez, who was driving without a license, is in police custody. Knowles was rushed to the hospital with multiple injuries and died this afternoon around three. Her daughter-in-law, Amelita Knowles, spoke with us.

Amelita Knowles, Daughter-in-law of the deceased

“Well, we known she went out and on her way back home she was hit a hundred yards from home. She was taken to the hospital in critical condition and we lost her today.”

Amelita Knowles

Andrea Polanco

“What do you know about the driver of the vehicle?”

Amelita Knowles

“We know it’s a very young driver. He was driving recklessly. Police have him in custody up to this time.”

Andrea Polanco

“Now, your mother in law, we understand that she has been an educator for many years. Can you tell us a little about her?”

Amelita Knowles

“She has been an educator for all her life because up to the time of her death, she was to go to school. She taught at All Saints and then St. Mary’s School. After her retirement, she was at YWCA assisting at the Faber’s Road area.”

Andrea Polanco

“The police gave you any indication that the person will be charged?”

Amelita Knowles

“They definitely did and they still have him in custody at this time.”

Reporter

“Can you tell us her age?”

Amelita Knowles

“She was seventy years old. Very loving lady. Everybody knows her. She gave her all to her family and friends. That is what will keep us going. She will be missed a lot.”

There was another fatal traffic accident. It happened early this morning on the George Price Highway. Edgar Kan was driving a small Nissan Altima car from San Ignacio heading towards Benque when he lost control of the vehicle and ran off the highway. The vehicle flipped several times and Kan was trapped inside before he could get any assistance, he succumbed. The twenty-nine year old was a resident of Corozalito, Cayo District.