Woman dead, American hurt in accident

CEBU, Philippines — A woman was killed while her American live-in partner was injured after they were hit by a Toyota Fortuner that veered into the opposite lane along General Maxilom Avenue in Cebu City, late night yesterday.

They were identified as Criza Jean Aque Concha, 27, a resident of Barangay Lahug, Cebu City, and John Charles Livingstone, 56.

The driver allegedly involved in the incident was identified as Ralph Anthony Peggy Go, 25, a resident of Urgello Street, Cebu City, who was driving a white Toyota Fortuner with plate number GBC 1684.

According to the Traffic Enforcement Unit (TEU), the incident occurred at around 2:51 A.M., prompting personnel of the Cebu City Traffic Office (CCTO) to respond to the accident near Horizons 101.

Go said before the accident, he suddenly felt drowsy, causing him to lose control of the vehicle.

The Fortuner then veered to the opposite lane and collided with the two pedestrians in the area.

Due to the force of the collision, Livingstone was thrown to the side of the road while Concha was caught underneath the vehicle and subsequently run over.

According to the report, Go said he did not immediately realize that his vehicle had struck pedestrians due to the suddenness of the incident.

He continued driving until he reached the Fuente Rotunda, where he stopped and checked his vehicle, believing that he was in a safe location.

A few minutes later, a barangay tanod approached Go and told him that his vehicle had been involved in a collision with pedestrians.

After learning about the incident, Go voluntarily returned to the scene to check on the victims and address the situation.

Concha and Livingstone were immediately brought to the Cebu City Medical Center for medical attention.

Despite medical intervention, Concha was pronounced dead by the attending duty physician.

Livingstone remained at the hospital for medical evaluation and treatment, according to the TEU.

Meanwhile, Go underwent an Alcohol Breath Analyzer test, which yielded a positive result with a recorded alcohol concentration of 0.384.

He was subsequently issued a Temporary Operator’s Permit for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol.

As of now, Go remains under the custody of the TEU for proper disposition and further appropriate action.

The case was classified by the TEU as Reckless Imprudence Resulting in Homicide and Physical Injury involving an American national. — (FREEMAN)