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Man dies in traffic accident
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Posted on May 14 2004
An early morning drive along Beach Road Garapan proved fatal for a 20-year-old man after his vehicle veered off the road and crashed yesterday.
The incident marked the fifth traffic fatality in the CNMI this year.
Police reports indicated that the man, Satoshi Banzai, was driving a black 2000 Toyota Tundra pickup with license plate number ABS-880 heading north by the 13th Fishermen monument. The vehicle had reportedly encroached into the southbound lane; at that point, the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle. The car swerved back to the northbound lane and onto the shoulder of the road.
Banzai’s vehicle then rammed into some sign posts, a fire hydrant, and a utility pole before coming to a rest.
The Department of Public Safety received a call reporting the incident at 5:41am.
The driver was immediately brought to the Commonwealth Health Center where he was pronounced dead by a Dr. Coad at 5:54am.
The report showed that Banzai sustained serious chest and internal injuries. The cause of death has yet to be determined.
DPS public information officer Thomas A. Blas Jr. said speed and alcohol were factors in the crash. He said Banzai had a blood alcohol content reading of 0.19, more than twice the legal amount, which is 0.08.
Also, Blas said the victim was not using his seatbelt.
The vehicle had extensive damage to the left side and was impounded at the DPS.
Last month, a man died after being hit by a vehicle being driven by a driver who was under the influence of alcohol.
