Priest unscathed, altar boy hurt in collision

A priest escaped unscathed but his altar boy suffered was seriously injured on the head when the Hyundai Elantra Sedan they were riding in rammed into a Fuso Fighter truck dawn yesterday.

Details of the accident remained sketchy but San Fernando police said the priest was driving the Sedan fast and apparently did not notice the truck parked along the highway in barangay South Poblacion, San Fernando.

Reverend Fr. Kent Martinez, 37, and his altar boy, Alvin Redoble, 19, were traversing the south highway from Cebu City towards Moalboal town where Martinez is assigned to a parish.

The Sedan hit the Fuso Fighter so hard it stuck to the rear of the truck. Martinez was unhurt but Redoble was rushed to the South General Hospital in Naga City because of a head injury. 

The truck driver Joseph Tarayong said he was forced to park the vehicle along the highway because of engine trouble. The truck with plate number GAQ-160 is owned by Zeon Construction with a postal address in Lacasteville, Pasnangga, Zamboanga City.

Tarayong was held at the police station for some time but was subsequently released. The truck, however, is still under police custody. — Niña Chrismae G. Sumacot/JMO