CEBU, Philippines — One died while seven others were injured after they figured in a seven-vehicle smashup inside the South Coastal Road tunnel leading to the South Road Properties (SRP) at around 11:30 p.m. Thursday.
Killed in the accident was Stephanie Hetutua, 26. Hetutua, a passenger of one of the motorcycles, died on the spot.
The injured individuals are police officer Angelito Valleser of Station 7, 44; Leleng Farhat,19; Klent Christian Mansueto, 26; Jill Macaraya, 44; Jessie Abay, 33; Armando Gonzaga,50; Joaquin Cutamora,35; and Ronel Melecio.
Based on a police initial investigation, a four-wheeled vehicle driven by Farhat was traversing a blind curve inside the tunnel when greeted by parked motorcycles.
Farhat immediately stepped on the brakes but lost control due to the slippery road, ramming into the motorcyles parking on the tunnel’s southbound lane, police said.
The motorists reportedly took shelter in the tunnel following late Tuesday evening’s heavy downpour.
Police Colonel Wilbert Parilla, Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) deputy city director for operations, said Police Station 3 is looking into the accident, including whether or not Farhat was under the influence of liquor when the incident happened.
“Pero considering kay dangog sad ang lugar kay kusog ang ulan, siguro dili sad kaayo visible iyang pagtan-aw sa mga tawo nga namasilong,” said Parilla.
To prevent similar accident, he said they will lobby for more personnel to guard the tunnel.
“Naa man unta ni emergency nga parking ang tunnel but wala man gud sila didto nag-standby. Usa sad ni nga atong gitan-aw nga ato gyud ni nga i prohibit or duna ba gyud nagbantay. Ato ni i recommend sa traffic office na naa gyuy magbantay,” said Parilla.
Roving, Signage
In a related development, the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CCDRRMO) is set to have a coordination meeting with the involved offices to address the concerns at the SRP tunnel.
“Mag-coordination meeting next week. i-discuss ang kani nga problem. Daghan na kaayo og nadisgrasya dihang dapita and then I think we have to revisit unsaon pag-address ani kay kahibawo baya ta sa concern sa atoang SRP police sad nga way sakyanan, kuwang og personnel so we have to address ani nga concern,” said CCDRRMO officer-in-charge Ramil Ayuman.
Ayuman said the coordination meeting will be together with the SRP management office, city’s transportation office, and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) since the jurisdiction of the tunnel is under DPWH.
He said among the suggestions he will give is to have a constant roving in the area so that no same incident will happen again in the future.
“Tragic kaayo... Ang description sa atong mga respondent, og duwa pa kuno, murag bowling gani. Igo gyud silang tanan, hasta tong mga nagsunod sa luyo,” said Ayuman.
“Initially, ang CCLEX pud willing pud sila motabang sa aspect sa mga signages, “Slow Down.” Pahimangno sa mga motorista,” he said.
Ayuman said there is really a need to put up more signages containing the reminders.
“Kinahanglan gyud na dungagan nato... Kahibawo ta nga naay 60km per hour nga speed limit. Mao na atong irevisit. Kun unsaon nato siya pagaddress kay it’s alarming na siya nga situation,” said Ayuman.
Ayuman reminded the public that it is not advisable to stay at the tunnel as it is “really risky” in the area.
“Grabe ang risk ana kay di man gyud ta kakita diha. Well naay suga, but dili well-lighted so dili gyud na siya advisable,” he said. — Mary Ruth Malinao, KQD (FREEMAN)