Pedestrian run over on Western Highway
The national malady of death by motor vehicle continued to rage out of control over the weekend with three killed in two separate incidents. We’ll begin closest to the city where a dangerous curve, a dark night and some risky behaviour ended the life of a Belize City man.
Jacqueline Woods, Reporting
The Olivera family say they do not know what sixty-four year old Ernest Christopher Olivera, a.k.a Oscar Gentle, was doing on the Northern Highway when he was knocked down late Saturday night by a van between miles four and five. The accident also left a minor pile up on the highway after two vehicles travelling behind the van crashed into each other. Olivera was rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, but was dead on arrival.
Jacqueline Woods
“Georgia, I understand that Ernest was recently diagnosed with a mental condition, do you know what he was doing on the highway?”
Georgia Olivera, Daughter-In-Law
“I don’t really have no idea.”
Jacqueline Woods
“So the family must have been shocked when they received the news.”
Georgia Olivera
Shakes head “Because nevah before he walk the highway. I mean ih dah noh nobody weh the wander round right.”
Jacqueline Woods
“So he usually just stay in his neighbourhood?”
Georgia Olivera
“Right, so when I hear about five miles, it mi strange…Well he was well known and well loved, he’s always happy and the dance.”
Jacqueline Woods
“So he was a very jovial person.”
Georgia Olivera
“Right. Yes as far as I know.”
Police have detained the driver of the van, sixty-year-old Gerald Nonnenkamp, a businessman of mile one and half on the Western Highway. Jacqueline Woods for News 5.
