By: Angelica Arquero
Two men riding a motorcycle died after colliding with an oncoming truck in Balaoan, La Union, in the early morning of July 3.
Authorities said the victims had just come from a drinking session.
The victims, identified as John Mikko Natura, 28, and Earl Gian Obra, 21, were rushed to the hospital but were declared dead on arrival.
The incident occurred past 1:00 AM along the national highway in Barangay Masupil.
“They were going in opposite directions, the truck heading north, the motorcycle heading south. The crash happened at a sharp curve in the barangay. It was a head-on collision,” said PMaj. Jane Michael Algo, officer-in-charge of the Balaoan Municipal Police Station.
Police reported that the victims were not wearing helmets and were allegedly intoxicated.
“Our follow-up investigation showed they came from a printing shop in Barangay Nalasin. Their companions told us they had just finished drinking,” Algo added.
The force of the collision threw the victims several meters from the point of impact.
“Based on our investigation, the fault lies with the victims,” Algo said. She also confirmed that the families of the victims and the truck driver’s company reached an amicable settlement.
The portion of the highway where the crash occurred is considered accident-prone due to its sharp curve.
The victims’ remains have been returned to their respective families.
