The public gathered around these vehicles in Barangay Poblacion, Malasiqui yesterday afternoon, October 29.

This occurred after an SUV plowed through parked tricycles and passing vehicles in the area.

According to the Philippine National Police (PNP), the SUV driver was reversing when the incident happened.

According to PLtCol. Edgar Palaylay, Chief of Police at Malasiqui Police Station, “When he was reversing and his car began to move forward, he continued, and his reason for not stepping on the brake was that his foot cramped up, causing his foot to get stuck on the accelerator.”

Because of this, the SUV crashed into three tricycles, three motorcycles, two SUVs, and a car.

One of those hit was a 42-year-old tricycle driver named John (alias).

“He (the tricycle driver) was in front of the Ford Everest and was just about to turn left as his passenger was about to board a bus. He was directly hit, causing his tricycle to spin and collide with two incoming vehicles,” Palaylay added.

The driver was declared dead on arrival.

Three others were injured in the incident, all passengers of the affected vehicles, and were immediately taken to the hospital. Others were traumatized by the incident.

The police immediately arrested the 76-year-old SUV driver, known as Rodrigo (alias).

“We spoke to him earlier, and he was really in shock yesterday, but now he’s somewhat okay, and he regrets driving as his foot indeed cramped up,” Palaylay mentioned.

The 76-year-old driver is now in custody with the Malasiqui PNP and has been charged with reckless imprudence resulting in homicide and damage to property.

They are still considering if additional charges of reckless imprudence resulting in multiple damage to property will be filed if he fails to pay for the damage.

Authorities are still determining the total damage left by the incident.

The vehicles involved were promptly removed from the road to prevent further traffic delays.

**CHARLES NIKKO LIMON