Drunk passenger dies in tricycle accident

MANILA, Philippines - A drunken passenger died when he fell off head first from a speeding tricycle in Marikina City Tuesday.

The victim, Louie Villareal, 23, was still holding his cellular phone when tricycle driver Bernard Allan Acero, 36, came to his aid. Acero rushed Villareal to the Amang Rodriguez Memorial Hospital but he died while being treated of head and body injuries.

Chief Inspector Ronald Girao, Marikina police traffic chief said Villareal of Lavander street, Barangay Mayamot, Antipolo City took a ride on Acero’s tricycle (3286 UX) at about 12 midnight Tuesday.

Acero said he was on his way home when Villareal, who was reeking of liquor, flagged him down and asked that he be taken to a nearby road where passenger jeepney bound for Antipolo City are passing.

However, instead of taking a seat inside the tricycle, Villareal seated himself at the back of the driver. After a few minutes, Acero said, he was negotiating a curb when he heard a loud thud in the cement road. And when Acero turned to check, he saw Villareal sprawled in the middle of the street while still holding his cellphone.