Ladyville Resident Knocked Down
Robert Simplis
The number of deaths on the highways continues to be a cause for concern. The latest victim is a construction worker from Ladyville who died Saturday night when he allegedly crossed the road in front of a speeding vehicle. The incident happened on a poorly lit stretch of the Phillip Goldson Highway near the Belize House Bar. Robert Simplis was struck full on and flew into the windshield of a red Mazda Tribute being driven by Reginald Gill. Today Gill was charged for the crime, and also for refusing to provide Ladyville Police with a blood specimen to test for alcohol content.
Edward Broaster
Sr. Supt. Edward Broaster, Commander, Eastern Division Rural
“We received a call of a fatal road traffic accident which occurred on the Phillip Goldson Highway one hundred metres or so from Blues Bar where one Reginald Gill ran over Mr. Robert Steven Simplis Jr., thirty-seven years old, who succumbed to his injuries. The post-mortem was conducted this afternoon and the result was death due to a broken neck. We want to extend our condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Simplis. It was just an unfortunate incident. I think that we will be lobbying the Chairman of Ladyville to try and get some lighting along this stretch of the highway. I think it’s too dark, and a little lighting would definitely help the residents of the community in this area. We requested blood and urine sample from Mr. Gill and he refused, so he will also be charged with failing to provide a specimen.”
There was another accident, in which there was no loss of life, but the injured victim was left on the roadside. It happened on Saturday night up north. Forty-five year old Marco Cuellar of Orange Walk was standing on the street side when he was hit by a grey Toyota Fore Runner. He sustained injuries to his face, chest, stomach and knee. The driver of the vehicle, however, failed to stop and render aid to the victim. Cuellar was transported to the Northern Regional Hospital for treatment. Police are investigating.
