An investigation is underway after seventy-seven-year-old retiree Erlene Gillett was killed while crossing the Philip Goldson Highway in Belize City on Thursday.
According to ASP Stacy Smith, Gillett was struck by a Dodge Caravan while attempting to cross the highway. The vehicle has since been impounded, and police have collected urine samples from the driver as part of the investigation. “What the investigation has shown so far is that Gillett was struck by a Dodge caravan, which was being driven by the stated male person, as she was attempting to cross the highway. The motor vehicle has since been impounded as part of the ongoing investigation, and urine samples have been obtained from the driver.”
Smith says this isn’t the first time a pedestrian has been struck trying to cross that stretch of highway. “If memory serves well, I believe this is the second of such incidents in recent times when a pedestrian was struck seeking to cross the highway.”
She’s urging pedestrians to stick to designated crossing paths but says drivers share responsibility too, especially since the area falls within city limits. “There is an onus on drivers. It is still within city limits, and though the area was not a designated crossing area, persons travelling onboard motor vehicles have a duty to pay attention and be on the alert as they are operating these motor vehicles.”
