Pedestrian Killed in Hit-and-Run on Santa Helenastraat
A 66-year-old woman became the fifth traffic fatality 2026 on Aruba after being struck by a vehicle while walking to work on Saturday morning.
Police received reports at approximately 6:45 AM that a car had hit a pedestrian near the former Xavier University on Santa Helenastraat. According to preliminary information, the vehicle was traveling downhill on Santa Helenastraat when it collided with a parked car on the roadside before striking the pedestrian.
The victim, identified as Liris Aurelia Senior Barrios, born in Colombia on September 25, 1959, lived behind the former Xavier University and was walking to her workplace on Santa Helenastraat when the incident occurred.
Police and ambulance crews were dispatched to the scene with maximum urgency. Upon arrival, officers confirmed that a white Toyota Corolla had struck the pedestrian. The victim was unresponsive, and the driver had fled the scene.
Paramedics provided medical assistance but were unable to save the woman, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
Traffic specialists and forensic police arrived to conduct their investigation. The Victim Support Department (Slachtofferhulp) also responded to provide assistance to the family.
The driver later turned himself in to police and was detained. A breathalyzer test showed a reading of zero on the alcohol sensor.
Forensic doctor Wemeijer officially confirmed the death of the victim.
The investigation into the circumstances of the fatal accident remains ongoing.
