By Belize Live News Staff: BELIZE CITY, Dec 22 (BLN) – Three vehicles belonging to a prominent Belizean family were destroyed in a suspected arson attack early on Sunday, causing damages estimated at nearly half a million Belize dollars, authorities said.
The incident occurred around 5:05 a.m. on Princess Margaret Drive, when police responded to reports of vehicles on fire. A 2022 Cadillac Escalade valued at BZD $250,000 and a 2023 Audi Q7 worth BZD $150,000, both owned by 75-year-old Bob Hotchandani, were damaged. A brown Chevrolet Silverado valued at BZD $85,000, owned by 43-year-old Sunjay Hotchandani, was completely destroyed.
Police said Bob Hotchandani had just returned to his residence on Barrack Road and parked the Escalade when three unidentified men arrived in a small boat. The suspects allegedly poured a flammable liquid on the vehicles and set them alight before fleeing by boat toward Golden Bay.
The Belize Fire Service extinguished the flames before they could spread to nearby structures. No injuries were reported.
Investigators recovered a container with suspected accelerant remains from the scene. Police are working to identify the suspects and establish a motive for the attack.
Bob Hotchandani’s Escalade was covered by comprehensive insurance, but the Silverado was only insured under third-party coverage, police said. Both Bob and Sunjay Hotchandani are naturalized Belizean citizens.
The arson has raised concerns about safety in the area, and police are urging anyone with information to come forward as investigations continue.
