Truck driver sued for death of two students in road accident

CEBU, Philippines -  Reckless imprudence resulting to multiple homicide and physical injury charges were filed against the driver of a cargo truck that figured in a road accident in Dauin, Negros Oriental last Sunday.

The accident claimed the lives of two high school students, Mark Geronilla of Dauin and James Allen Capuyan, both 15-year olds. A third victim, identified as Geran Bantayanon, sustained severe injuries but is now recuperating at a local hospital.

According to the initial police report, the truck driver, 40-year-old Romel Empinado of San Carlos City in Negros Occidental, fled from the scene while his two passengers, Leonardo Alferez and son Raymart, turned themselves in to the police.

Investigators further said the three victims, along with two others, were jogging at about 4 a.m. along the national highway of Brgy. Maayong Tubig in Dauin, preparing for a basketball tournament. Their two companions escaped from the accident when they stopped over off to the road side to respond to the call of nature.

The cargo truck, registered under L.C. Big Mak Burger Inc., hit the three joggers from behind, resulting in the death of the two students and the injuries of the third one.

According to the third victim, the truck tried to avoid an incoming cargo truck, laden with sugar cane, and veered to the road side where they were jogging. The injured Bantayanon said he was lucky to survive the accident, but was traumatized to see his two friends being rammed and ran over by the truck.  (FREEMAN)