In a scary traffic incident yesterday, a man narrowly escaped tragedy in the bustling streets of San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, as he was pinned between a utility post and a large dump truck. Eyewitnesses recount the heart-stopping moment as the man luckily escaped death amidst the chaotic traffic of downtown.
The incident occurred on Thursday, April 18, 2024, at the south end of Angel Coral Street (commonly known as Back Street), a hotspot for heavy construction vehicle traffic. According to eye witnesses, the man had stopped riding his bicycle near a utility pole, awaiting the passage of a massive cement mixer truck turning into the street.
However, tragedy struck when a dump truck, oblivious to the man’s presence, approached the corner, pinning him between the post and the vehicle. It was only the quick actions of passersby that alerted the truck driver to the perilous situation, preventing a potentially fatal outcome. Emergency personnel rushed to the scene, finding the man in agonizing pain on the ground with evident injuries, including abnormalities in his shoulders. He was attended to and transported for urgent medical care.
Residents Have Been Complaining About Traffic
This incident has reignited long-standing concerns among residents regarding the heavy influx of construction vehicles, particularly large dump trucks, traversing through the town’s narrow streets on a daily basis. Islanders have been vocal in their demands for a solution to alleviate the escalating traffic woes plaguing the community. This incident also prompted one resident to start a petition against these heavy construction vehicles driving through town. (Click Here to Sign Petition)
The proliferation of oversized trucks, primarily engaged in private land reclamation projects, has led to a myriad of issues impacting both residents and visitors. Traffic congestion during peak hours has become a pressing concern, exacerbated by the inability of the narrow streets to accommodate these over-sized vehicles.
Furthermore, the incessant rumble of the trucks’ engines contributes to significant noise pollution, disrupting the tranquility of the island. The dust and fumes emitted pose a grave threat to air quality, endangering the health and well-being of all inhabitants.
In addition to safety hazards for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists, the presence of these trucks impedes the flow of emergency vehicles, potentially compromising timely responses to emergencies.
Traffic Concerns for Tourists
Beyond immediate safety concerns, the proliferation of dump trucks tarnishes the tourism image of the island. Visitors seeking refuge in the natural beauty of Ambergris Caye are met with the sights and sounds of construction, detracting from their experience and impacting the island’s reputation as a tropical paradise.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this alarming incident, calls for action to address the root causes of traffic congestion and safety hazards have grown louder. Residents and authorities alike are urged to collaborate in finding sustainable solutions to ensure the safety, well-being, and prosperity of San Pedro Town and its residents.
