One dead, two hurt after bus hits tricycle

CEBU, Philippines - One person died while two others, one of them a three-year-old girl, were injured in a vehicular accident involving three vehicles on the National Highway in Barangay Tunghaan, Minglanilla town, yesterday noon.

The incident cost the life of tricycle driver, Paldin Castillano, 38, of Barangay Tulay, who died from massive head injuries.

Three-year-old, Lieane Villaneso, who is reportedly in critical condition, is now under observation at the Intensive Care Unit of the South General Hospital. Lieane’s mother, Girlie, only suffered bruises in her body. Both are from Barangay Inayagan, Naga City.

During the accident Castillano was driving his tricycle with license plate numbers GZ 8475 boarded by Lieane and Girlie. They were tailed by a 10-wheeler Isuzu truck with license plate numbers YAA 696 driven by Alejandro Romaguera, 41, of Barangay Poblacion, Boljoon town.

Both vehicles were heading north when the accident happened.

Desk officer PO2 Nikki Carlo Plarisan said the truck was traveling at high speed and hit the rear right portion of the tricycle causing it to be thrown into the opposite lane.

Castillano and his two passengers were also thrown outside the tricycle.

“Nangalabay gyud na silang tulo gawas sa tricycle,” Plarisan said in a phone interview.

A vehicle traveling on the opposite lane, an Isuzu Forward with license plate numbers YEV 181, driven by Marlon Mabilin, 36, of Barangay Cabangcalan, Mandaue City, hit the tricycle.

According to Plarisan, Romaguera claimed he did not notice the tricycle at that time causing him to accidentally hit it.

“Mao man gyud nay kasagaran pasangil sa mga drayber nga wala kabantay,” Plarisan said.

Police also could not determine if Romaguera was under the influence of liquor as he was not subjected to a liquor test.

Romaguera and Mabilin are both detained at the Minglanilla Police Station stockade and may face charges for reckless imprudence resulting in homicide and multiple physical injuries. –(FREEMAN)