One person died and seven were injured in a tragic road collision between a Ford Explorer and a Mitsubishi pickup truck that occurred between Miles 46 and 47 on the George Price Highway at about 5:30 on Thursday.

The Explorer was traveling to Belize City, and the pickup was travelling to Belmopan, in the opposite direction.

The collision resulted in the death of Ephraim Cowo, 42, of Camalote, Cayo District, a career Government employee. He died due to massive head and body injuries.

Reports are that there was a large crater on the road, and one of the drivers tried to avoid the hole, causing him to drift to the other side of the road, which had traffic coming from the opposite direction.

Assistant Superintendent, Sinquest Martinez, Commander of Belmopan police, said that they are still investigating and obtaining statements.

The driver of the pickup was Ernesto Banner, and the driver of the Explorer was Bert Ramos, 45, of Lords Bank, Ladyville. Travelling with Ramos were Shevaughn Williams, 19, and Avery Flores, 22. They suffered minor injuries and were treated and released from the Belmopan Hospital.

The driver of the pickup was Ernesto Banner, 40. Travelling with him were Efraim Cowo, Kendra Arnold, 29, a school teacher of Franks Eddy Primary School, and Genie Neal, 25. The victims were all taken to the Belmopan Hospital. Cowo was rushed to the Intensive Care Unit, where doctors worked to save him, but he died shortly after.

Banner, Arnold and Neal were rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, where further medical treatment was administered to them.

Mark Neal, the father of Genie Neal, said that she suffered a fracture on the right hand and has many body bruises, and her neck is sprained; a neck brace has been placed on it. There is also a swelling on the left side of her head.

Genie also suffered damage to her back. Her condition has been declared serious, but stable.