Family of 3 killed in Ilocos Sur mishap

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Philippines– Three members of a family were killed while two others were seriously injured when their tricycle figured in a collision with a van and a truck in Sta. Cruz town, Ilocos Sur on Friday.

Pepito, his wife Shirley and relative Pedro, all surnamed Cabo, reportedly died at the scene, while tricycle driver Wafy Cabo and Marciano Ruiz Jr. were taken to the hospital for treatment, said Superintendent Marlo Castillo, spokesperson for the provincial police.

Reports said the victims were traveling along the highway in Barangay Dili when a van rear-ended them.

The driver reportedly lost control of the wheel causing the tricycle to swerve and collided with a truck driven by Reniel Adan.

Adan and the van driver, whose name was not immediately available, escaped after the accident.

Adan was arrested in a follow up operation in Supiden, La Union.

On the same night, at least 20 bus passengers were injured when a Bicol-bound bus rammed a hotel billboard and an electric post in Lucena City in Quezon province.

Jo Almore, 40, one of the 35 passengers of the Pamar bus, said they were traveling along the highway in Barangay Domoit at about 6 p.m. when the bus driver identified as Jose Bermas, reportedly announced that the vehicle lost its brake due to engine trouble.

Almore said she heard the conductor advised the driver to avoid hitting any vehicle.

The bus crashed into the signage of the Queen Margaret Hotel before it hit an electric post.

The passengers were taken to the Quezon Medical Center and Lucena United Doctors Hospital for treatment of minor injuries, according  to city police chief Superintendent Allen Rae Co.

Earlier that day, a dance instructor died after his motorcycle was hit by a dump truck in Barangay Balubal, Sariaya, Quezon.

Aarone Deapera, 21, was pronounced dead on arrival at the Greg Hospital where dump truck driver Alexander de Torres took him for treatment of injuries.

De Torres gave himself up to the authorities after the incident. – With Michelle Zoleta