Tourists Share Nightmare of Bubali Hit-and-Run as Driver Remains at Large

The community of Aruba continues to be shaken by a serious hit-and-run incident that occurred at the end of December in the Bubali area, involving two female tourists who had arrived on the island the very same day for their vacation.

The incident took place on Saturday night, December 27, shortly after 7:50 p.m., when emergency calls began coming into the Police Central Dispatch reporting that two female pedestrians had been struck by a vehicle on Caya Musica, heading north toward Bubali.

Police units from Noord, Oranjestad, and Santa Cruz were immediately dispatched to the scene, while the Alarm Center sent two ambulances to provide urgent medical assistance.

Upon arrival, officers found two female tourists lying on the ground along the roadside, in an area where vegetation comes close to the roadway and pedestrian sidewalks are limited. The victims were found approximately four meters apart.

Witnesses reported hearing a loud impact and seeing the two women thrown into the air before landing in the grassy area beside the road. The vehicle involved was described as a black pickup truck, which did not stop and continued fleeing north toward the Bubali roundabout near the Bubali Food Center.

Paramedics noted that the adult woman had sustained very serious injuries, while the second victim, her daughter, also suffered head injuries, though considered slightly less severe. Both were rushed to the Emergency Department at the hospital for treatment.

Family Speaks Out

This week, new details emerged through a written account shared by the daughter, Michelle Rodriguez, describing the ordeal from the family’s perspective.

“What was meant to be a joyful end-of-year vacation turned into a tragedy that shattered our hearts,” she wrote. “My mother and I arrived in Aruba on December 27. While walking to buy groceries, we were struck in a hit-and-run accident that left both of us seriously injured. The driver fled the scene, leaving us on the road. If it weren’t for the quick actions and kindness of nearby citizens, we might not be here today.”

Michelle explained that she suffered a severe head injury requiring surgery and is now recovering. However, her mother remains in critical condition in the Intensive Care Unit, suffering from a traumatic brain injury, nine broken ribs, and a collapsed lung.

Because the incident occurred outside their home country, the family has faced major challenges with insurance coverage, leaving them with mounting medical expenses and the urgent need to transport the mother home for continued care and rehabilitation.

Appeal for Help and Information

The family has launched an online GoFundMe campaign to help cover immediate and long-term medical costs, with a fundraising goal of USD 40,000. Michelle emphasized that any contribution, no matter how small, is deeply appreciated.

Meanwhile, Aruba Police are once again urging anyone with information about a black pickup truck that may have been damaged around the end of December to come forward. Tips can be provided anonymously through the Police Tipline at 111-41.

Authorities continue to investigate the case as the victims and their family endure a difficult and emotional recovery.