Barili Woman killed, 5 injured in collision

CEBU, Philippines – A woman died while her five companions were injured after a Toyota Avanza and an Isuzu Forwarder truck collided head-on past 10 a.m. on Friday in Barangay Sayaw, Barili.

Police Officer 2 Jotemar Tajano of Barili Police Station identified the fatality as Sarrah Gutierez of Barangay Tayud, Liloan.

Wounded were Froilan Gutierez, the driver of the Avanza; Hermita Agustin and Francis Mantojar, both 17; Mary Joy Mariquit, 18; and Dorothy Cantilla.

Gutierez was reportedly trying to overtake another vehicle at a curve road in Barangay Sayaw when he lost control of the wheel and bumped into the truck traveling the opposite lane.

Passengers of the Avanza were seriously hurt and were brought to Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center in Cebu City but Sarrah died on the way.

The accident caused heavy traffic, said Tajano.

Tajano said the Avanza driver and truck driver Jessie Dacula, 48, have reached an amicable settlement so no charges were filed. —/NSA (FREEMAN)