BY: ANGELICA ARQUERO
An 18-wheeler truck crashed into two motorcycles and an SUV that it was following along the national highway in Barangay 5 Poblacion, Bantay, Ilocos Sur.
The entire incident was captured on CCTV.
The truck driver’s assistant tried to stop the truck by attempting to deflate its tires, but the truck continued moving and only stopped after it veered off the road.
The CCTV footage, recorded at approximately 9:00 AM on Wednesday, April 30, shows a white SUV and two motorcycles traveling along the highway.
Moments later, the truck unexpectedly plowed into the vehicles, dragging one of the motorcycles.
The rider of the motorcycle quickly accelerated to avoid the collision.
The truck’s assistant jumped out to try and stop the truck, but it kept moving until it finally came to a halt on a curved section of the road.
PCpt. Donaldson Pagalanan, Officer in Charge of Bantay Municipal Police Station, shared details of the investigation, “Based on our initial investigation, the truck’s brake hose ruptured, causing its brakes to fail, which led to the collision with the motorcycle and SUV. The motorcycle, along with the rider, was dragged several meters.”
The rider of the scooter was immediately helped by other motorists and police and was rushed to a nearby hospital with various injuries.
“We suspect it could be a mechanical failure,” Pagalanan added.
The truck, which was heading from Pampanga to Laoag City, was driven by a 34-year-old male, who was arrested but later released after initial talks with the truck’s owner.
Pagalanan also emphasized the importance of road safety, “Drivers must check essential parts of their vehicles, like brakes, oil, and tires, before traveling to avoid accidents.”
The injured scooter rider is currently recovering from the injuries sustained in the incident.
This marks the second road incident recorded in the town this year.
