Tragic Plane crash takes the lives of 5

Sir Barry Bowen, well- known Belize business magnate died today in an airplane crash just short of the runway at San Pedro Ambergris Caye according to radio and T.V. news reports monitored here. It is reported that Sir Barry was piloting his Cessna 206 when the aircraft experienced difficulties on landing approach, clipped the roof of a building with its landing gear,and then crashed into a building at a boatyard adjacent to the San Pedro Town municipal airport.

Five other persons were in the aircraft including two children who also perished in the accident which happened at about 5:30 p.m. local time (Belize is minus -6 G.M.T). Sir Barry headed the Bowen group of companies that includes the Belize Coca Cola franchise, the Belikin Brewery (the only brewery in Belize) the Ford Automobile Distributorship, the Chan Chic Tourism Lodge and Belize Aquaculture Ltd. one of the largest shrimp farms in Belize. Sir Barry resided on San Pedro Ambergris Caye and commuted to work in Belize city on his private aircraft. This is a breaking story. The names of the passengers who are believed to be the managers of Chan Chich Lodge are being withheld pending notice to next of kin.

Barry Bowen, 'Beer king of Belize', 64, deceased