Wednesday, July 15th, 2015. BMG: An unfortunate and fatal traffic accident in Orange Walk District has left a hole in the Shipyard Mennonite Community as one of their own perished after he was flung from the horse and cart/buggy he was driving.
The incident occurred on Tuesday night, July 14th, when shortly before 9:00 p.m, a Toyota Hilux pickup truck being driven by 38 year old David Blatz of Orange Walk Town crashed into the back of the buggy that was being driven by Johan Knelsen, a 39 year old Mennonite man.
Other occupants of the buggy were Johan’s wife, 37 year old Elizabeth Knelsen, his 2 year old daughter, and his 7 weeks old son who all received minor injuries such as scrapes and bruises.
Police responded to the scene about a quarter mile outside of August Pine Ridge Village and saw the badly damaged Toyota Pickup.
It was determined that Johan Knelsen and his family were heading home to the Pine Ridge Village when Blatz’s Pickup collided into their buggy.
Johan was the only fatality in the incident as he was pronounced dead at the Northern Regional Hospital just before 11:00 p.m.
Police investigation continues.