In Veraguas province, Panama, 57-year-old Isidro Martínez became the first fatal traffic victim of 2026, after being struck by a vehicle. The incident occurred on Thursday morning on the national highway towards the district of Soná, specifically in the Santa Rita area. Preliminary reports indicate that Martínez, a humble farmer and day laborer, was en route to work when he was hit by a car. The National Police Traffic Operations Department and the Soná Prosecutor's Office are investigating to clarify the circumstances of the accident. It was reported that the deceased had a disability in one of his legs, which may have affected his mobility at the time of the incident. Colonel Eduardo Cheng, head of the Veraguas Fire Department, stated that the accident site is considered highly dangerous due to its steep slope. This tragic event once again highlights the need to reinforce road safety and accident prevention, especially in high-risk areas of the national road network. Family and friends described Isidro Martínez as a highly appreciated person in his community, noting his kindness and hardworking nature. They emphasized that both drivers and pedestrians must take extreme precautions to avoid similar tragedies.
