Fatal Hit-and-Run in Stann Creek Under Police Investigation

Police investigators are probing into an incident on the Thomas Vincent Highway that proved fatal for 50-year-old, Medardo Vanegas.  Officers from the Hopkins formation responded to the scene after they received a call from a passerby at around seven thirty last night.  According to one John Magnus, he was driving near mile 7 in Silk Grass Village when he saw Vanegas’ body on the shoulder of the road.  Magnus says he immediately called the Police and did not exit his vehicle until the authorities arrived.  Love News understands that Police found Vanegas bleeding from the head with injuries to both arms.  Police have categorized this incident as a hit-and-run until a further investigation is concluded. Today Area Representative for Stann Creek West Rodwell Ferguson said that Vanegas’ death was tragic and appealed to the public to be careful on the highways at night. Ferguson says that safety on the roads in southern Belize is a concern for him not only as the elected representative but as the transport minister as well.  

Rodwell Ferguson, Minister of Transport: “When we are on the highway we have to be very careful and cautious especially on a bicycle and make sure that your bicycle has enough reflection, have enough lights because sometimes oncoming traffic is coming you cannot see what is in front of you. So I’m urging my people not only in Silk Grass but across the country, the highways in this county are very dangerous so be careful when you ride on these highways especially at night time. So I really offer my condolences to the Vanegas family, it’s a real disaster for them because they lost a loved one. It has to be a concern and likewise as the Minister of Transportation. Actually about two days ago an old gentleman Mr.Caal from San Roman also was knocked down by a passing vehicle and again sometimes these things do occur but if we sensitize our people properly then we can mitigate the accidents. Because when a loved one dies it hurts. So I really hope that we can mitigate them and to be able to assist to make sure that it doesn’t occur as often because no matter what an accident will occur.”

Vanegas was a business man who sold used vehicle parts.