Tonight, two teenagers are in comas at the KHMH following a tragic accident on Friday. The male basketball team at Ocean Academy, located on Caye Caulker, was on the mainland getting ready for a tournament. They were heading north when their van flipped, landing almost half the passengers in the hospital.
It's a terrifying time for the parents, the school's staff, and the wider island community. But they've banded together, in true Caye Caulker spirit, to spiritually support the families and ease the financial burden on their backs.
Courtney Menzies has more on this story.
On Friday evening, Ocean Academy's basketball team was on its way to the Northern Secondary Schools Sports Association championships, which were held in Orange Walk on Saturday. But around mile 39, this van that they were travelling in experienced a blowout reportedly on its two front tires. The van flipped several times with the 10 players and 2 teachers inside. 5 persons were seriously injured and had to be rushed to the hospital.
17 year old Gilbert Tec and 18 year old Alexander Bainton are currently intubated at the KHMH. Tec sustained broken bones and brain swelling, while Bainton had a massive head trauma. 15 year old Ronnie Sosa is also at the KHMH. 16 year old Gevan Canelo is admitted to the Northern Regional Hospital, while 16 year old Zaiden Young was discharged today.
One of the teachers, 30 year old Zane Zuniga, is receiving treatment at the KHMH.
The victims all required CAT scans, and with the KHMH's 128 slice CT Scan Machine currently out of order, the patients at the KHMH needed to get their scans done at Belize Medical Associates.
The Caye Caulker Village Council has been collecting donations for the patients' medical expenses, and even the San Pedro Town Council has been fundraising to assist them.
We spoke via text with the mother of 18 year old Alexander Bainton, who said that her son is a fisherman, a basketball player, an open-water certified diver, a volleyball player, and an honor student. She is asking for prayers from the public at this time.
The families of the other KHMH patients have been in and out of the hospital, getting tests done, and hoping for the best.
If you would like to donate, the council's Atlantic Bank account number is on our Facebook page, as well as the Village Council's page, where they regularly post updates.
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