Two Dead in Chain-Reaction Highway Crash Near Independence Village

A tragic chain-reaction traffic collision on the Thomas Vincent Ramos Highway Saturday night claimed the lives of a laborer and a Customs officer while leaving several vehicles damaged. The deadly incident occurred shortly after 8:20 p.m. near the Forestry Department between Independence Village and Punta Gorda Junction. Preliminary police investigations indicate that 38-year-old Andy August of Independence Village was driving a grey and silver Mazda Tribute from Punta Gorda Junction toward Independence Village when his vehicle collided with a black Lifan 150 motorcycle being driven by 26-year-old Elmer Cal of Red Bank Village. The impact reportedly hurled Cal onto the highway, causing fatal injuries.  Authorities say that moments after the initial collision, August exited his vehicle to check on Cal when a second accident occurred. A red Meilun scooter driven by 51-year-old Herzon Rowell Cruz, a Customs Officer of Independence Village, reportedly crashed into the front door of the Mazda Tribute. Cruz was thrown from the scooter and sustained severe head injuries.  Police say another motorist, identified as 59-year-old Ines Flores of Bella Vista Village, stopped at the scene to render assistance. However, a white Ford pickup driven by 54-year-old Leeroy July of Bella Vista Village subsequently collided into the rear wheel of Flores’ vehicle, causing additional damage.  When officers arrived at the scene, they observed extensive damage to all vehicles involved, along with both Cal and Cruz lying motionless on the roadway. The victims were later transported to the Dangriga morgue where they were pronounced dead shortly after midnight.  Police have since detained the driver of the Mazda Tribute, Andy August, as investigations into the fatal collision continue.