Cuban volunteer doctor dies in car crash
It is a sight that is becoming all too familiar on Belize’s highways: shattered glass, mangled metal, broken bodies and a one-way ambulance ride to the K.H.M.H. The latest fatal traffic accident was particularly tragic in that it cut short the work of a woman whose profession is dedicated to the saving of life, not its senseless destruction. Jacqueline Woods reports.
Jacqueline Woods, Reporting
Sixty-seven year old Philip Dolmo, a driver with the ministry of health and thirty-four year old Dr. Liedys Garcia Lopez, a Cuban volunteer physician, were returning from the Golden Haven Home for the elderly in Hattieville to Belize City when Dolmo apparently lost control of the Mitsubishi pickup truck between miles six and seven on the Northern Highway. The vehicle slammed head on into a semi-trailer belonging to Bowen and Bowen Limited. According to the Coca-Cola truck driver, Fifty-seven year old Omar Villas, he was returning empty bottles to the soft drink factory in Ladyville when he saw the pickup truck veer across the highway.
Omar Villas, Driver, Bowen and Bowen Limited
“Well, I was coming from Belize City and the man here began to swerve in front of me. I tried to avoid it and I ran to the other side of the road and he collided into me and he ran into me again.”
Jacqueline Woods
“And what happened next? Did you get out of the truck and ran to his assistance?”
Omar Villas
“Well, I ran to the truck and see what was happening. I saw the lady there, she didn’t move. I knew the guy that was driving, Dolmo.”
Jacqueline Woods
“Was the pickup going at a fast speed?”
Omar Villas
“Yes, he was coming and swerving in front of me.”
Jacqueline Woods
“Was it raining at the time?”
Omar Villas
“Just a little bit of drizzling.”
The smaller truck took the impact of the collision and both driver and passenger were trapped inside the wreck. Dr. Garcia died after her body was apparently crushed as the engine was thrown into the front seat. Dolmo, badly injured and pinned behind the steering wheel, was freed by the National Fire and Rescue Team and whisked away in an ambulance.
Jacqueline Woods
“What’s your father’s condition?”
Michelle Dolmo, Daughter
“Well now he’s very critical. They said that both of his feet are broken and both of his hands, and he has an injury on his head.”
Jacqueline Woods
“Is he conscious?”
Michelle Dolmo, Daughter
“Slightly conscious yes, but in and out of consciousness.”
Jacqueline Woods
“Have you been able to talk with him?”
Michelle Dolmo, Daughter
“Not yet, I just saw him when I came in just now. I didn’t get a chance to talk to him.”
Jacqueline Woods
“Everybody is saying that they know your dad to be a careful driver.”
Michelle Dolmo, Daughter
“Yes, he was a careful driver. As far as I know, he never caught in any accident, always careful, always giving the other person a break.”
Jacqueline Woods
“SO this is one news you didn’t expect?”
Michelle Dolmo, Daughter
“No, I didn’t expect a news like this this morning. I was at home in bed sick.”
At the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, a number of Cuban doctors gathered to mourn the loss of a friend and co-worker. Dr. Garcia, a specialist in geriatrics and traditional medicine, came to Belize in 2001. She was first posted to the Stann Creek District and later to Belize City. We understand that her body will be flown back to Cuba on Thursday. Jacqueline Woods for News 5.
At the time of her death, Dr. Liedys Garcia Lopez was responsible for health services at various homes for the elderly including The Sister Cecilia, Golden Haven and Good Samaritan. She is survived by her parents and one brother, all residing in Cuba.
