By Breaking Belize News Staff: Police are continuing their investigation into the fatal road traffic accident that claimed the life of Police Sergeant Jovanni Ponce after his SUV collided with a house being transported along the George Price Highway on Saturday night.
The collision occurred between Miles 42 and 43 near Cotton Tree Village, where Ponce’s Chevrolet Equinox collided with a zinc house being transported in the opposite direction on a flatbed truck.
Ponce, 50, was attached to the San Ignacio Police Station. His wife and an 11-year-old child, who were travelling with him, sustained minor injuries.
During Tuesday’s police press briefing, investigators said they are reviewing surveillance footage, recording witness statements and examining the circumstances surrounding the collision. Police also confirmed that the truck transporting the house was accompanied by escort vehicles, including one equipped with revolving lights.
Authorities explained that permits allow houses to be transported on highways between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m., a measure intended to reduce interference with daytime traffic.
The accident has nevertheless raised concerns about the safety of transporting oversized structures at night. The Belize Home Movers Group has questioned whether adequate lighting and other safety precautions were in place, pointing to established standards governing the movement of houses on public roads.
Police previously identified the truck driver as 58-year-old Belmopan businessman Barry Espat, who was served with a Notice of Intended Prosecution.
Investigations remain ongoing to determine the circumstances of the fatal collision.
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