Belize: Sanitation worker killed after being hit by school bus

Belize: A 39-year-old sanitation worker, identified as Andrew Alexander Smith, lost his life after he was hit by a school bus on Lord’s Bank Road on Wednesday afternoon. The driver has been detained in connection with the accident.

According to the Belize Police Department, the accident took place at around 1:15 pm in the Belize District. They said that the deceased was standing close to the left rear end of a moving green international-brand garbage truck which was parked near the roadside.

Police said that he allegedly fell into the traffic lane and was hit by an approaching school bus. Smith was taken to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital morgue, where he was pronounced dead at 4:07 pm, as a result of the severe injuries sustained during the accident.

The bus driver, identified as 35-year-old Robert Escobar of Burrell Boom Village, was arrested and urine samples were taken as a part of routine investigations. It is currently unknown whether the driver was under the influence of alcohol or any other drugs.

Investigators said that Escobar was traveling from east to west, while the garbage truck, driven by 48-year-old Oren Sutherland of Ladyville, was travelling in the opposite direction. A passer-by heard a loud sound and alerted the police about the accident.

The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incidents remains ongoing. Police are monitoring CCTV footage and recording witness statements.

Locals are sharing their condolences for the victim on social media. One individual said, “Mayb I could b wrong but if d person fell into d traffic lane y is it d driver fault dat he got hit??? Unless I noh d understand d news.”

Another person commented, “Sorry for the deceased’s family’s loss but i dont think the driver was at fault.”