Accidents & Disasters

Fifteen-year-old tourist Annabelle Carlson from Colorado, USA, was severely injured in a shark attack during a diving trip off the coast of Belize in August 2024. The attack, which occurred at the Lighthouse Reef Atoll, resulted in her losing her right leg. The incident also left her with injuries to her hands. After months of recovery, Carlson spoke to the media houses in her country about her experience showing resilience and her passion for the ocean.

A large fire in the early hours of Sunday, December 29th, south of San Pedro Town on Ambergris Caye, has displaced 12 families. The blaze destroyed two wooden structures and a metal-framed garage. Authorities are investigating the incident as a possible act of arson. As part of the investigation, a female suspect is currently in custody.

On Saturday, December 7th, a fire broke out on Barracuda Street, near the lagoon side of the Boca del Rio area, destroying a small wooden structure. The fire ignited just before 5PM and quickly consumed the building. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

Following the tragic accident on Friday, December 6th, which resulted in the death of American tourist 40-year-old Jennifer Hernandez, police have charged her boyfriend, 39-year-old Isaac Jeremy Flores. He faces charges of reckless driving, driving without due care and attention, death by careless conduct, and failure to provide a specimen for analysis. Flores was arraigned at the San Pedro Magistrate Court on Monday, December 9th, where he was granted bail set at $10,000, along with a surety of $5,000. He was able to post bail and avoided being remanded to the Kolbe Foundation Central Prison in Belize. The bail conditions require that Flores attend the preliminary inquiry, as well as the High Court arraignment and trial when they are scheduled.

On November 29th, a tragic accident occurred involving a bus carrying students from the Ocean Academy male basketball team. The van was en route to a basketball tournament in Orange Walk Town when its tires blew out, resulting in significant injuries among the passengers. Reports indicate that the bus was transporting 20 students and staff members at the time of the incident.

A family suffered a devastating loss on November 19th when their property was deliberately set on fire in an act of arson. The blaze destroyed three houses, leaving the property owner, 47-year-old Sandra Isela Catzim, with an estimated loss of $200,000. In response, local leaders, residents, and organizations have united to offer support through fundraisers and direct assistance to Catzim.

Tropical Storm Sara made landfall in southern Belize on Sunday, November 17th, bringing heavy rainfall to the region. A tropical storm warning was issued for the entire Belizean coast and the Cayes. As the storm dissipated, residents in flood-prone communities were relieved to find that waters began to recede. Some of the affected areas included communities in the western Cayo District, where on Monday, November 18th, Prime Minister John Briceño conducted a flyover and visited several impacted communities.

A large fire broke out on the afternoon of Tuesday, November 19th, in the DFC neighborhood of San Pedro, destroying three houses. The affected properties included a two-story home, a four-bedroom house, and a small shop with a bedroom, estimated at $200,000. The affected property owner, 47-year-old Sandra Isela Catzim, and the community are seriously concerned, as fire officials have confirmed that the fire was caused by arson.