BY: CHARLES NIKKO LIMON
A tricycle driver and his two passengers were killed in a collision with a passenger bus along the national road in Barangay San Pablo early morning on May 22.
Based on CCTV footage provided by the Santo Domingo Municipal Police Station, the tricycle was seen parked by the roadside around 2:30 AM.
The driver waited for several vehicles to pass before attempting a U-turn, during which it was hit by an oncoming bus.
“The tricycle driver was trying to make a U-turn,” said PCpt. Rodel Ragasa, Santo Domingo police chief. “He probably didn’t notice that a GMW bus was approaching. That’s when the collision happened.”
The impact threw the 65-year-old driver, identified as Claro Tapaya Sr., off the vehicle.
He was rushed to the hospital but was later declared dead.
The two female passengers were also injured in the crash.
However, they were declared dead on arrival at the Magsingal District Hospital.
“They had severe injuries all over their bodies, probably due to the force of the collision,” PCpt. Ragasa added. “They didn’t make it despite being brought to the hospital right away.”
The bus driver, 42-year-old Julius Jardinero, has been detained by authorities.
“According to him, there was another large vehicle approaching in the opposite direction, so he didn’t expect the tricycle to suddenly turn,” Ragasa said. “It was also dark in the area, which might have contributed to the accident.”
Police say the section of the road is known to be accident-prone due to the fast-moving traffic.
Jardinero may face charges of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide.
